With the impending release of their second album in August I have been revisiting the rather excellent 2022 debut of a band from the deep south (of England… Portsmouth) who effortlessly take the blues rock of early Whitesnake, replace David Coverdale (DC) with two female vocalists, employ a guitarist that can do the Moody slide and the Marsden subtlety and a rhythm section that bring technical ability by the bucket load but know how to make it flow and fit and stamp their own personalities on it. Put that together and you get Brave Rival, a band that if there’s any justice will be ‘the next big thing’. They do cite their influences as John Mayer, Aretha Franklin, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and Tedeschi Trucks without any mention of ‘Snake but the overall feeling I get when I listen to the blend of blues rock and hints of soul, is pre-hair DC, although I can see where they’re coming from with that list too.
A Kickstarter campaign gave them the wherewithal to begin recording this debut and they have taken the same route for the follow-up – watch out for Fight or Flight, it’ll be a good ‘un! (I already have my t-shirt, a great live album and an early copy of the next album from my Kickstarter contribution). However, the debut, called Life’s Machine, is of such quality that it deserves its place in our Modern Classic section.
It kicks off with ‘Heart Attack’, a solid rocker with a lovely bluesy riff, keyboard washes and a superb bass line… then the alternating vocals and harmonies of Chloe and Lindsay bring it truly alive. The guitar is a clever mix of chords and picking to add to the melodies and then delivers a very good, fluid and crafted solo that leads to a quiet section before it returns to the riff and chorus… a great start. ‘Guilty Love’ brings a hint of funk to a simple and effective backing and the structure harks back to arena rock from the 80s… but without losing bite. More great keys, bass and drums and another suitably constructed solo. ‘Without You’ starts with some delicious vocal interplay and harmonies that build to a bluesy rocker with operatic leanings and pop sensibilities… sort of! ‘Run & Hide’ is a heavier rock song with a rapid backing that drummer Donna fits astounding fills into without breaking time. It even has a touch of Priest at times but those delightful harmonies keep it very Brave Rival and yet another tasty guitar solo that is pure rock but with taste, not flash. Back to the solid blues with the slow, Free-rolling backing and riff of ‘Come Down’. It may be ‘classic’ heavy blues but it has a new identity in these capable hands and voices. The backing quietens to give the carefully paced and crafted solo room to bloom as Ed uses space to speak as loud as the notes. One word of warning: the high vocal notes toward the end will attract your dogs… my two Westies loved it!
‘What’s Your Name Again?’ is a morning after the night before song when, awakening with no memories of an alcohol-fuelled night, a glance at the pillow alongside prompts the title’s question… a mucky tale of a one night stand set to reverberating keys, slide interjections and the confessional vocals before it erupts beautifully into a slide driven blues song of sheer quality. ‘Secrets’ is funky, rocky blues with a genius intro of bass, drums and guitar working together to introduce the main, sparse riff as the vocals bring soul to the blues. ‘Long Time Coming’ slows the pace for a heartfelt, soulful blues: picked chords glisten over subtle bass and gentle snare rim hits. It builds to an emotional chorus that slightly borrows from a Sam Cooke song, I think, but remains all Brave.
The Bravian Choir join in for the soul-drenched close. ‘Thin Ice’ moves back to blues rock with a hefty backing to funky chord work and catchy as hell riff that interjects between verses… a pedalled guitar solo brings mid-song drama before the ladies take it back and power to the end. ‘Fool Of You’ has a gospel feel to the intro as the vocal places you in a southern church before funky blues takes over. Apologies to the rest of the band, but I listened to the bass more than the rest (not just because I’m a failed bass player) as Billy plays a symphony of his own that somehow fits seamlessly with the complex blend of soul, gospel, rock and blues. ‘Break Me’ has more gospel tints behind the slow heavy blues. The main instrumental melody employs known tropes but, wrapped in the cinematic reach of this stunning song, it works and enhances. It quietens down for the superb just enough notes guitar solo. The final track, ‘Life’s Machine’, is the only true ballad and is a suitably heart-wrenching way to end with a tale of loss… bizarrely perhaps, this is only dark if you let it. Nightmare-era Cooper springs to my mind with the drama, tension and emotions in the vocals matched by the whole band and the addition of a grand piano is inspired.
I had to keep reminding myself that this is a debut album… the skills on display here will be the envy of many established bands. It is a far-reaching collection of blues-based rock with many, many added elements that only repeated listens will truly reveal. Do yourself a favour and give it a listen and then buy it.
