There are some albums which I'm quite proud to own, usually because the majority of the songs aren't filler. THE BRAVERY by, The Bravery, is one of these.
I decided to buy this album, more or less, on the basis of a single song - HONEST MISTAKE. First released I think, around February/March 2005, it was definitely the best song I'd heard so far that year. The tune, combined with the raw sound of the guitars made it powerful and distinctive. It was certainly different to much of the 'indie' genre I normally listen to.
I'll come back to that guitar sound, because that's probably where the 'x factor' lies. The unique tones of the different guitars break in at just the right moment, always adding something to the whole piece. The chord changes are perfect and it all rolls together into one beautiful track. If I had to describe the sound, it's almost like the raw grating of metal in an echoing warehouse, only orchestrated perfectly. This track alone is certainly worth hearing, even if you don't like average 'indie'.
The third track, FEARLESS, is the only other single they have so far released. It's different to Honest Mistake, but the wow factor is still there, and lies in the amazing synthesizer throughout. Again, the raw guitars blend seamlessly with what I think must be some kind of electric organ on the synthesizer. To describe it like that brings to mind some kind of 60's blackpool electric organ, but it's not, and it sounds perfect. The jumping between notes sounds like some kind of classical fugue, and you're definitely getting something more than just your average 'indie' rock and roll song.
The computer sounding guitar opening on UNCONDITIONAL is also extremely classy. It's like an ice cream van, only good. One thing this track has in common with a lot of the best songs on the album is the texture each track has. There are so many different guitar sounds in there, and again, it comes together and sounds amazing.
To be honest, the lyrics on the above songs could be about anything - I wouldn't care. I'm listening to the great sounds, and I don't take in the words. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT is mildly amusing if you're into lyrics. It's basically a rip off of fire advice - "Stop, Drop and Roll". Maybe a weaker track in terms of guitars, but it's by no means 'filler'. It's more disco than anything else on the album.
TYRANT is another beautiful sounding track. It's almost like a classical infused Duran Duran. There's something very gothic, or church-organ-like about the track. The chord changes are perfect, and again there's a texture in the sound which is hard to find outside of classical music.
Yes, the vocals on RITES OF SPRING sound like Duran Duran. But that shouldn't be read as an insult - maybe Duran Duran weren't the best of bands, but here it's brought up to date and it works well. Certainly the 80's influence is apparent, but The Bravery make it sound fresh and exciting.
In terms of what this album doesn't do well, I think if you want slower, blander music, then this isn't for you. But then you'd probably buy Coldplay or something.
This album is a cut above your average 'indie'. It's certainly not boring or formulaic like Bloc Party, or Athlete for instance. The Bravery are fresh and original - and I haven't heard rock music with this much depth or texture. If you're after the best music of 2005, you can't improve by much on this.
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A great review. I have the album downloaded, but don't think its all that great to be honest. I do however, love "An Honest Mistake" purely because it reminds me of things!!
chriswynne16 24.08.2005 15:13
A good review, I got this album a while ago and still love it. Chris :)
Like their fellow New Yorkers The Strokes, The Bravery recycle the music of their youth ... more
and add a modern sensibility (as well as a pin-up swagger). But whereas The Strokes focussed on the guitar-rock of the Velvet Underground and Television, The Braver...
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Advantages: Absolute ear candy Disadvantages: VERY unoriginal!
tonguelessghostofsin 02.02.2008 (02.02.2008)
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Review of Bravery, The - Bravery
Advantages: A very Eighties feel with some rock thrown in, excellent musicianship,a refreshing change, Disadvantages: The cover, the inside pics but they can be forgiven
peterkinxl5 18.05.2005 (18.05.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Bravery, The - Bravery
Advantages: A very Eighties feel with some rock thrown in, excellent musicianship,a refreshing change, Disadvantages: The cover, the inside pics but they can be forgiven
peterkinxl5 18.05.2005 (18.05.2005)
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Review of Bravery, The - Bravery
Advantages: Electro-pop brilliance, some real anthems including 'Honest Mistake' and 'Unconditional' , the first half of the album Disadvantages: The Killers vs The Bravery feud, the last half of the album
darkangelwing 19.07.2006 ·
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Review of Bravery, The - Bravery
Advantages: 'Honest Mistake' is okay... only because it's one step away from being a Duran Duran song Disadvantages: Empty, lifeless, boring, vapid, mediocre, insincere, dull, flimsy
Jul 12th, 2005
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