Reviews of the Rat Opera (Brian Franklin/Rob Elba)

MIAMI HERALD: The music, composed by Franklin and Elba, is tuneful, upbeat and clever. The band wields dynamics like a light saber, hitting sonic booms and doo wop vocals to tell Rat’s story. It’s not unlike The Who’s Tommy performed by the Pixies.

BROWARD/PALM BEACH NEW TIMES:  A masterpiece… An engaging tale within the body of emotionally charged songs.

SUN SENTINEL: An impressive collection of songs that depend on the strengths of the songwriters’ respective styles. The music can be loud, naturally, but it’s never gratuitous and is insistently melodic…The Rat Opera, offers as much admiration as accusation, the songs celebrating Falestra’s fathoms-deep musical knowledge, uncanny ability to draw beautiful women to his side and fundamentally genial nature (albeit one shrouded underneath layers of unfiltered noise and outspokenness).

Brian Franklin Solo Reviews:

MIAMI NEW TIMES: “Quite the singer songwriter in his own right, the proof of which now can be heard on Suburban Hallucinations… Franklin’s full, raspy vocals hi the right emotional buttons.” “Suburban Hallucinations is a revelation, exposing the rich, subtle expressiveness in Franklin’s warbling.’ “[Stir Fried World] is a natural progression from Franklin’s worthy debut effort.”

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE: “With his introspective lyrics and affecting vocal style, [Franklin} has become a familiar face on the stages of South Florida’s rock clubs and coffee houses.”

INK 19: “Franklin’s delivery is soulful and passionate… Suburban Hallucinations provides the perfect soundtrack for those who are surprised by moments of joy in the darkest of times.”

FT. LAUDERDALE SUN SENTINEL:”…Suburban Hallucinations is real good, excellent songwriting, and themes that you would not expect.”

XS MAGAZINE: “…a polished, passionate delivery… [Franklin’s] voice hits every peak and valley. He unleashes his emotions with poignancy.” “[Stir Fried World] succeeds admirably.”

THE NEXT FLASH: “Franklin steps into the singer/songwriter spotlight with such blinding clarity it’s hard to imagine him doing anything else but this. Franklin’s songs are a pure joy to listen to… his somewhat raspy voice a soothing, hypnotic instrument in itself.”