Everything you need to know about “Love And Other Crimes” is contained in this paragraph.
“Now signed to Frontiers Music Srl and managed by Jens Lundberg, Leah Martin-Brown has worked alongside legendary producers Robert “Mutt” Lange, Tony Nilsson and Tommy Denander to create a debut that’s bold, cinematic and unrelentingly modern.”
So yes, you probably already have an inkling of what it sounds like. And you’d be nearly right, Mr X. Let’s be honest about this: parts of it could absolutely soundtrack a stripper’s pole. Urban gloss collides with classic hard rock swagger, all wrapped in a very deliberate sense of attitude and sexuality.
The fact she sings about being naked in cowboy boots on “R U Chicken” does nothing to dissuade that impression – and MV can confirm that yes, we are indeed too chicken. Sorry to disappoint you, #Leah.
Jokes aside, this is essentially 80s hard rock, heavily retouched for 2026. Big hooks, bigger choruses, and a production sheen that knows exactly what it’s doing.
“Clooney” rails against the fakers, while “Levitate” – one of the singles – proves this isn’t a retro exercise. Even if it’s one of the most lustful ballads you’re likely to hear this year, it feels current rather than kitsch.
“Boys” gets its fists up like mid-period Def Leppard, “Shush” lands a fabulous chorus and leans into bad-boy fantasy with a slightly unexpected rap crossover, and “Rainbow” is unapologetically pop. If “Lightshow” sees no reason to change the vibe, it simply underlines that Martin-Brown has an incredible voice capable of carrying all of this without blinking.
There’s real swagger and arena-ready intent here too. When you hear “Hysterical Love,” it’s almost impossible not to think of Halestorm, while “Unscrew You” flirts with regret – though apologies aren’t really on the agenda.
Since emerging from Australia, Martin-Brown has gone to LA and written with the elite. She may only have one thing on her mind here, but sex sells – and when it’s delivered with this much confidence, polish and vocal power, it’s hard to argue with the results.
A star may well be being born.
RATING: 7.5/10
If you want, next step could be tightening this to Frontiers press-release length or leaning harder into the Halestorm / Def Leppard comparisons 👀
