There seems to be a plethora of female fronted rock bands right now. So it is
refreshing when one comes along that has something different to offer. Brave is
a 6 piece band that hails from the nation's capitol of Washington D.C. With a
progressive spirit and metal as their backbone, they have blazed into territory
that is musically diverse and yet still retains the elements of some of the most
influential bands in history.
The first thing to hit you is the melancholy voice of lead singer Michelle
Loose. With a delivery that makes me think of the old group Renaissance fronted
by the multi-octave vocals of Annie Haslam. Now take those vocals, put in a duel
heavy metal guitar attack and then to top it off, add a violin similar to the
group Kansas. There you have Brave.
The band captures a certain regal quality with its varied approach as they
can take you from the very heavy rocking opening song "Hold On" to the stunning,
stark beauty of the desolate sounding Here. Each song on the album has a charm
all its own that is best defined by the subject matter. Yes this is an example
of intelligent lyrics that are a treat for the mind as much as the music is a
pure delight to the ears.
My metal side is thoroughly sated by the thrashing guitars of Scott Loose and
Matt Kozar. They can be as heavy as any progressive band when it is called for
but when the music turns more melodic, they are there also, providing a
sometimes tranquil, sometimes beautiful touch. They never stray too far from the
heavy roots from which they came.
The heart and soul of this band is the ability to make a bombastic quality
sound that overpowers you with its epic style and force. Out of this swell of
music comes this lush voice that is the eye of the storm that rages all around
her. In songs like the instrumental To Remain Unseen and Stronger the music is
some of the richest and most elegant sounding I have heard in quite some time.
But along with this element there is the underlying current of pure metal that
is let loose at the proper time to completely overwhelm you with its raw power.
This band is really Beauty and the Beast. With the gorgeous vocals of
Michelle Loose swirling all around you, the beast of a band behind her, hits you
like a ton of bricks. The combination is something to behold.
Track Listing:
1. Hold On
2. Hero
3. Hurt
4. Forgiveness
5. To Remain Unseen
6. Sleepless
7. Without You
8. Here
9. Sooner Or Later
10. Something To This
11. Driven
12. Stronger
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