Brave Rival, Hampshire’s finest blues rockers, are back with 5 To 4, possibly the most important release of their career so far. Following their sterling debut and stunning sophomore albums, this latest collection of songs marks their first as a four-piece after the departure of co-lead vocalist Chloe Josephine at the end of last year.
Brave Rival – 5 To 4
Release Date: 17 October 2025
Words: Paul Monkhouse
Having built their reputation for their incendiary live shows and the clear chemistry they had as a quintet, losing a member of the musical family was seen by some as a crunch time for the band. And so it was, but Brave Rival are nothing but fighters.
With this writer having witnessed their first gig as a four-piece on the lead up to the parting of the ways with Chloe due to her being indisposed due to health reasons, it was clear to me and everyone else there, that the band were more than capable of continuing to fly the flag in this slimmed-down version.
The months of solid touring the band focus on has moulded them into a rock solid outfit as tight as any other band out there, and lead vocalist Lindsey Bonnick has really grown into her role as sole singer.
This different dynamic within the outfit has affected their music too, and 5 To 4 shows a leaner, meaner and hungrier outfit than ever before.
Kicking up dust, opener Let Me Rock ‘n’ Roll is a heavy-hitting and ballsy rush that is a defiant statement of intent, the scorching fretwork and tumultuous solo by Ed Clarke hitting the message home.
There has always been a sense of reality with the band, the ability to mix the upbeat with the heartbroken, and this key element of their success shines in Poison. Lyrically hard-hitting and soulful, the gang vocals and ’80s L.A. Glam Metal touches give it a bounce that is addictive.
With the engine room of Donna Peter’s drums and Billy Dedman’s bass driving the Led Zepp-ish stylings during Try Again as Clarke’s guitar slides and roars, the sense of dynamics and atmosphere is a heady brew, and Bonnick’s always impressive vocals provide the knockout blow in the forceful Control.
With the strutting Wild Child providing another powerful hit of adrenaline, things are slowed a little for the three bonus acoustic tracks that close the release, Poison and Control, providing a chance for the numbers to really breathe as the stripped-back vocals and guitar radiate warmth and soul.
Closing with a bit of fun, the 50’s rock ‘n’ roll style take on Wild Child is an excuse for a good time, the addition of a bicycle bell at one point sure to raise a smile from all but the stoniest of hearts.
5 to 4 is not just the next stage for Brave Rival. It is a crystal clear declaration that they are here to stay and aiming for the big leagues. It is only a matter of time.
