When I first reviewed “Surfin’ The 210 On An Empty Tank,” I praised Brandon Hensley’s guitar work, production, and ear for melody but also noted that his songs felt like they were waiting for a voice to bring them to life. To my surprise (and delight), Hensley took that critique to heart. He didn’t just add a few vocal tracks and call it a day; he rebuilt the entire project from the ground up, expanding it into a full-length album that captures the same energy of the original EP while adding new depth, emotion, and storytelling. The result is a version of “Surfin’ The 210 On An Empty Tank” that feels fully realized and alive in a way the first incarnation only hinted at. This album is not just a revision, it’s a reinvention. Check out the new album below:
All the musical strengths that defined Hensley’s original release remain intact. The intricate guitar layering, dynamic tones, and crisp production are still here, driving each track forward with that signature freeway-ready momentum. But now, the new vocals transform those strengths into something far more resonant. Lyrics in the opening title track like “following signs that lead us back to home / away from broken roads” give emotional clarity to melodies that once stood on their own, adding a sense of journey and reflection that complements the instrumental storytelling. The vocal performances themselves sound fresh and confident, perfectly matching the spirit of Hensley’s compositions.
The following track “The Reason Why” was already one of the standout tracks on the original EP, but in this new version, it soars to another level. The song features lines like “Maybe in another life, we can talk about the heartache and all the good times” that perfectly matches the bittersweet tone of the guitars. What’s even more impressive is that Hensley didn’t stop at adding one vocalist. He brought in multiple singers across the album. Each one brings a different color and emotional texture, yet his songwriting remains the steady anchor throughout. Hensley’s music isn’t confined to a single voice or style; it’s adaptable, resilient, and capable of shining through any interpretation.
One of the new additions to the album, “When She Finally Likes You, But Now What?” is a track that leans into an alternative pop sound with a romantic, almost nostalgic tone that captures the rush of young love. Lines like “awkward and uncomfortable” instantly transport you back to high school hallways and teenage crushes, where every glance felt monumental and every word carried the weight of the world. It’s one of the most relatable songs on the record and one that’s hard not to smile at.
“The Greatest Love You’ll Never Have” is where the album truly flexes its emotional range. It’s a soaring heartbreak anthem that is fast-paced yet overflowing with ache and vulnerability. The song captures that painful contradiction of wanting something so deeply yet feeling it’s always just out of reach. But as the lyrics unfold, the sadness gives way to hope, with the “never” quietly disappearing by the final chorus. What begins as “the greatest love you’ll never have” transforms into simply “the greatest love.” It’s a subtle, powerful evolution that could only work through the addition of vocals and storytelling.
“Constellations” closes out Side A with a burst of pop-punk energy that feels straight out of the Blink-182 playbook. It’s the kind of song that instantly transports you back to long summer nights, headlights on the highway, and conversations that feel like they might last forever. Lines like “will the stars above show us where to go” and “two constellations aching to align” paint the image of two lost lovers trying to find their way back to one another, or maybe, finding themselves in the process beneath the night sky. It’s the kind of song that captures what Hensley does best: blending emotional storytelling with strong musical energy. Whereas the first half of the record looked inward, the second half starts to look ahead.
“Rebirth” bursts open with a riff so catchy it could’ve started the entire record. There’s a real sense of renewal in its sound, like the musical equivalent of taking a deep breath and moving forward. And with each track now accompanied by a stylish lyric video on YouTube, the songs gain a visual life that complements their emotional arcs. Between the new sound and visuals, this truly feels like the realized version of “Surfin’ The 210 On An Empty Tank,” a full-scope experience of Hensley’s creativity.
Side B keeps the momentum going with “Nine-To-Five and Die,” a returning track from the original EP that now hits with a much darker, more visceral edge. It’s now a full-blown anthem of exhaustion and despair for people who are slowly being crushed by the monotony of working life. The line “we ain’t living, we just die” lands like a gut punch, especially paired with harsh screams that heighten the frustration and despair of the lyrics. The song is about someone fighting to stay human in a world that grinds you down, which is a risky but rewarding addition that brings a real emotional sharpness to the record.
Then comes “Star Cup on 200CC,” a tongue-in-cheek nod to the original EP’s 150CC version, because apparently Hensley decided the first take just wasn’t fast enough. Fast-paced and fun, it’s a wild ride packed with Mario Kart-inspired references to “stars,” “bombs,” and “friends,” all delivered with a wink. Though, this is a clever metaphor for life’s chaos: dodging obstacles, chasing wins, and laughing through the crashes. Because sometimes you end up chasing something you can never catch. The song’s just a great balance of wit and energy.
The album’s final stretch doesn’t let up. “Heaven” roars in with thick, fuzzy guitars that immediately call to mind Smashing Pumpkins’ “Cherub Rock.” It’s drenched in distortion but anchored by a melodic backbone. It’s heavy, nostalgic, and one of the record’s purest rock moments. Closing out the album is “The Good, The Bad, The Struggle, The End,” a fitting finale that wraps everything up with groovy heaviness. The last line “the end” lands like a curtain drop, but as listeners, we can’t help but hope it’s anything but. After witnessing Hensley’s evolution from the original EP to this fully realized album, it’s clear this isn’t the end, it’s a new beginning.
And there you have it. Hensley didn’t just respond to feedback, he embraced it, learned from it, and transformed it into his strongest work yet, elevating both his sound and his legacy. “Surfin’ The 210 On An Empty Tank” has evolved from a promising instrumental project into a passionate, fully voiced statement of artistic identity. If this is where Hensley’s musical rebirth begins, we’re lucky to be along for the ride. Let’s just hope that ride isn’t on an empty tank.
To stay up to date with all things Hensley, follow his music socials at Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, Soundcloud and Bandcamp.
Enter The Venture 