I recently lauded Brave Rival’s debut album (Life’s Machine) in our RAMzine Modern Classic section. As a Kickstarter contributor for the second album I received a signed copy of Fight or Flight well in advance of the release on August 16th 2024. Now, after a few days of listening, I can say definitively that the follow-up to that stunning debut, whilst not quite as immediate, matches and sometimes exceeds as the excellence is maintained.
Their blend of rock, blues and soul remains the key to their powerful compositions. When I say not as immediate… there are so many layers to uncover on each song that the rewards for listening (not hearing) expand with every spin as you uncover nuances and performances that may have been overlooked at first – and you will fall in love all over again!
There are twelve tracks on the new album, all of which are highlights, so I will highlight the highest lights below!
The opener ‘Bad Choices’ is an arena-ready bluesy stomper – great riff, harmonies and plenty of “woah, woah” crowd opportunities. ‘Seventeen’ maintains the quality levels with a White Snake-y riff that develops and builds to a lovely pedalled solo. ‘Stand Up’ is blues rock par excellence with some tasty gob-iron from the harmonica master Will Wilde and another solo of invention and skill. ‘Insane’ opens with some gentle guitar, a genius bass line and emotion-drenched vocals that expands into a bluesy yet soulful rock song. ‘All I Can Think About’ is acoustic-led, then a power ballad that is operatic, dramatic and has a genius solo that uses just the right amount of notes. The best is saved until last as the pure blues of ‘Stars Upon My Scars’ unveils itself. It has a feel of the epic: subtle riff, glorious harmonies, and a cracking couple of solos that again use only enough notes to match the passion of the vocals and the message therein.
The difficult second album syndrome myth is decimated by the skills on show instrumentally, vocally and compositionally: Brave Rival have proved that their debut was no fluke and delivered a superb album of varied, intricate and well-executed songs that, if there is any justice, will bring them global recognition and success.
PS – My wallet awaits album three!
