Bursting onto the scene with 2022’s splendid Life’s Machine debut, Brave Rival have become an increasingly popular draw on the live circuit. Their distinctive sound was immediately identifiable courtesy of the complementary tones of vocalists Chloe Josephine and Lindsey Bonnick.
Brave Rival – Fight Or Flight (Independent)
Release Date: 16 August 2024
Words: Sophie James
In my humble opinion, they are the finest female harmony pairing since a particular Swedish group took Europe and, indeed, the world by storm a few years back. Furthermore, their delightfully asynchronous interplay epitomises their contrasting styles.
Add to this the eminent, uplifting playing of Ed Clarke, fully supported by the tautest rhythm section of Billy Dedman and Donna Peters, and you have an extraordinarily talented and balanced package.
Drawing widespread critical acclaim, they attracted the attention of none other than superstar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa, who remarked that Brave Rival were “among his favourite discoveries” of that year.
Now, with the imminent release of that ‘difficult second album’ Fight Or Flight, have the band got what it takes to build upon or even surpass that landmark debut?
This time round, the band had the distinct advantage of being able to write and refine together instead of the earlier pandemic-enforced separations. The approach has paid dividends, with the results reaping the benefits of that musical telepathy and additional textures provided by guest musicians.
Kicking off with a pealing riff, the irresistible addictive stomp of new single Bad Choices not only announces and identifies the character of the band but would be an ideal live set opener. Additional layers are soon evident with a gathering of specially invited Crowdfunders providing the “Wooahh-Ohhh’ gang vocals to the track.
“A repeat of a mistake is a decision, so we make Bad Choices.”
A quirky riff and corresponding rhythm open Seventeen. Reflecting on the (wasted?) years of youth, the verse sees Chloe and Lindsey so on point. A serious key change announces the more anthemic chorus.
“Nothing matters when you are Seventeen.”
The mid-song breakdown sees the band enter a glorious riff-driven, dare I say it, ‘headbanging’ mode with a solo to match. A swift return to the chorus and they have finished on a high.
Stand Up sees the band joined by harmonica wizard Will Wilde.
His textures are a dynamic addition over the grinding riff.
A punchy riposte to adversity and a consummate piece of modern blues rock.
Taking the pace down, the guitar tone to the opening of Insane is a joy to behold. Haunting and atmospheric, the whimsical opening verse gives rise to an ascending chorus which sees the ladies in full flow. Ed then takes off on a soaring, hugely melodic flight of fancy accompanied by sweeping strings as this luxurious piece climbs majestically to a rousing crescendo.
The first of many that have one thinking, how can Brave Rival possibly top that?
Further gentle atmospheric doodling from Ed and matching vocal gives way to a brief suvvern style riff as Fairytale soon attains its momentum. At that instant, the interplay between guitar, bass and drums echoes that of a dirigible monickered outfit from the ’70s.
A dark brooding, exploration into the depths of twisted fantasies that takes the listener recurringly down the rabbit hole. “Down we go, falling deeper, sliding down this rabbit hole.”
With its luscious opening, briefly reminiscent of Thunder’s take on In A Broken Dream, Heavy puts us in huge, hoooooooge power ballad territory.
A vocal tour-de-force, so expertly crafted, with strings once again enhancing the sound. The solo has one reimagining those iconic scenes of Joe Perry on a railroad track or Slash stepping out of that New Mexico Chapel.
The zenith is yet to arrive as it builds into an impeccably symphonic Nighwish-esque climax. I am just in awe at the beauty of this track.
“Things can get better in the blink of an eye, or things can get worse if you choose to be blind.”
All I Can Think About commences with a gentle acoustic strum and corresponding soulful solo vocal. Interestingly, the harmonies are initially used for emphasis.
“I know it will get better, but right now, I’m down and blue.”
When the kitchen sink kicks in, it metamorphoses into a multi-layered classic rock ballad complete with grand piano. The fleeting closing passage is just exquisite as the listener is gently lowered down to earth.
Five Years On is a celebratory up-tempo anthem marking the period since their formation. The lead single, it is based around a driving country-blues rock riff enhanced by the swirling Hammond of Jonny Henderson.
A number one fully expects the audience to involve themselves in when played live.
One cannot help but think that there is also a subtle dig present aimed at one or more members’ exes. “Five years on, you will be coming to my show.”
Unravelling commences in colossal fashion with huge chords and whirling Hammond as it launches straight into the earworm chorus. This would not be out of place in the decade of decadence and could stand toe to toe against any of the Wilson Sisters’ feistier output. Everything about this is huge, but it is the frenetic drumming that truly seizes the listener. Ms Peters, take a bow.
Sink or Swim demonstrates an altogether different and unexpected approach. After the dreamy ‘aquatic’ intro, Brave Rival soon dip their toes into the pool of accessible prog with intricate basslines soaring strings and further percussive fireworks.
The nearest they come to a title track.
“Fight or Flight, Live or Die”
Blame The Voices has a musical undercurrent that would not be out of place scoring a movie containing gadgets, Aston Martins and Vodka Martinis. Could you imagine the line “Never had a chance, I intoxicate your every dream, now you find you’re paralysed” delivered by a lethal chanteuse played during those unique opening credits? Those are the visions that this epic inspires.
It is a majestically sweeping symphonic construct complete with Middle Eastern textures to the solo and is quite possibly THE earworm of the album.
“(Who you going to trust?) Blame the voices, but not on me, not on me”.
Such is the quality throughout this release, I still cannot decide whether Brave Rival have, in time honoured tradition, left the best to last. This is quite possibly their most mournful commentary yet on a failing relationship with a narcissistic partner.
From its slow bluesy opening Stars Upon My Scars includes everything you would expect from a grand finale. Impassioned, heart-wrenching vocals, sultry licks, atmospheric Hammond and then there is that solo.
Almost as if to bid us farewell, Ed unleashes his inner Moore, taking us to stratospheric heights while almost speaking ‘talking’ every foot of the way. “You ripped up my heart, and you showed me it beating.”
As the final notes wane, I find myself almost breathless, overwhelmed by the sheer majesty of what I have just heard. Rarely have I listened to an album and found myself in tears immersed in its utter splendour.
Chloe and Lindsey exceed already high expectations, excelling while articulating and expressing the raw emotion and pain of much of the subject matter.
And as for Ed? While recently talking about another budding guitar legend, Slash remarked, “I think what’s really exciting for me is when the guitar is in context as a melodic part of a song. That’s what’s always turned me on, and there’s such a lack of that going on in rock music. There’s all these guitar players that sound amazing by themselves, but it doesn’t really fit inside of a composition of an exciting band.”
Of course, that statement would not be included here if it weren’t for Ed’s exquisite playing throughout.
Alternating between funky or grinding riffs, delicately ethereal or bluesy tones and dizzying soloing, every note is so precisely crafted to the framework of the composition, they set the perfect ambiance and supplement those heavenly vocal harmonies.
Compliments aside, I cannot stress enough just how exceptional and gratifying this piece of work is. The alchemy of five supremely talented artists producing a sound that transcends the boundaries of their current station.
The planets have aligned, standby for lift off.
Brave Rival – Fight Or Flight – is available from here.
