Motive Black – ‘Broken’

Fronted by Elena Justin, MOTIVE BLACK might be new to the mainstream, but the alt-rock band had their genesis in 2018, when Elena moved from New York to Los Angeles, seeking a new perspective on life and music. Quartet MOTIVE BLACK was formed on the Sunset Strip, and have been honing their honest sound since that time.

Their latest single, ‘Broken’, is filled with a whirlwind of emotions, which may as well come directly from Elena’s soul. Powerful and anthemic, MOTIVE BLACK hold nothing back with ‘Broken’, and right from the very start we hear Elena’s vocals powerfully bursting through, supported by the heart-racing music. The song’s lyrics serve as a marker for a new generation, who feel lost and misunderstood, and the track is one which insists on being screamed at the top of your lungs.

The video for ‘Broken’ opens with Elena strapped into a straitjacket and muzzled with a mask, covered in chains. She’s dragged into an institution, whereupon she’s locked inside a room. There are grungy red and orange lights, and shadows are cast from every direction. From time to time she’s seen unrestrained, joining her band in performance, face to face with the camera as she belts her heart out. Finally breaking out of her restraints, Elena finishes the video with a glitchy, zoomed-in shot on her.

Watch ‘Broken’ below, and find out more about MOTIVE BLACK online on Instagram.

MOTIVE BLACK - Broken (2021) - Official Music Video // AFM Records

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com