I’ve never placed “originality” that high on my list of musical concerns. It seems to me pretty low down behind the fact of whether the song is actually, you know, any good.
What I do always value, however, is someone who can take something you know and love and do something that makes you go: you know what? I’ve never thought of that before.
A couple of years ago now an album called “Life’s Machine” came out. A five piece band from the South Coast. Blues, soul, rock hybrid. Now you could be forgiven for thinking you’d heard it before, but not like this.
Brave Rival had two brilliant singers and the way they used Chloe and Lindsay was different. Their harmonies were stunning, and so was Ed on guitar.
But then when you saw them, somehow the music became secondary. They were mates first and foremost and they had a bond, they had fun. Even their army of fans were in on it.
Then Joe Bonamassa decided he loved them and things sort of took off.
That’s the “previously on Brave Rival” if you will, because “Fight Or Flight” feels like a new chapter.
Not so much in the music, “Bad Choices” is the same stomping, energetic thing that they’ve always done, but there’s a bit more introspection here. A bit more grown up, if you like.
The anthemic “Seventeen” is a case in point, looking back on a wild past (and quite what they were doing to need a new name by 17 might make me blush) but doing it in their own way.
Along the journey, there are some very obvious highlights. Not least “Stand Up” which benefits from some brilliant harmonica from Will Wilde.
The word “journey” was deliberately chosen given the amount of ground it covers this time. “Insane” with its breathless, almost desperate delivery, is one of a number that tackles mental health issues head-on, and that darker feel is back there again on “Fairytale”, which explodes into its groove, or the truly expansive “Heavy” which dials up the natural soul of their vocals.
Americana bands the world over would love the sun-dappled “All I Can Think About” a proper West Coast ballad from Laurel Canyon in the 60s, it’s followed by “….Flight’s” arguable high point. A giant middle finger to whoever it’s about “Five Years On” is equal parts confident and sass and is a vehicle for the rhythm section of Donna and Billy to shine.
“Unravelling” is a Thunder-esque rocker, clever and classic it’s a mighty statement, while the folk flavours of “Sink Or Swim” are delivered with a touch of the ethereal, but also the real experience of a whirlwind few years.
If you could sum this up in one word, then “ambitious” would do you. The strings on “Blame The Voices” and the guitar solo are Led Zeppelin worthy, and not for nothing, perhaps, does the collection end with its most “blues” moment, as if to give an insight into what a lesser band would have done with this. “Stars Upon My Scars” is proof that whatever Brave Rival do is filled with class, too.
“”Fight or Flight” is not a radical departure; it is, however, a natural progression, an evolution rather than a revolution.
However, it might be enough to propel them into bigger things. While they’d never leave their “Bravians” (the affectionate name they give their hardcore fans) behind, it might be that those who have been there from the start will have to share Brave Rival a little with the mainstream in this brave(ish) new(ish) world.
Rating: 8.5/10
