HelloAngel
ONE love, blood, life
[SIMG]http://forum.interference.com/gallery/data//585/11265bravery-sml.jpg[/SIMG]
By Kimberly Egolf
2006.11
Cold, wind, and pouring rain are not ideal conditions to do much of anything. Nevertheless, as a dedicated concertgoer, I undertook the journey (getting only slightly lost and thoroughly soaked) to see New York City electro-rockers The Bravery’s return to the stage after completing the recording on their sophomore album, “The Sun and the Moon.”
As the quintet mounted the stage on Monday night and launched into the first chords of hit song “Unconditional,” the band seemed tentative reaching out and responding to the audience. Lead singer Sam Endicott, whose frenetic stage presence contributes heavily to the band’s overall live show, was obviously constrained by the tiny stage at Boston’s famed TT the Bear’s venue. By the third song, however, the band had admirably adapted to the cramped conditions and put on quite a show.
Choosing to perform only four songs off of the popular 2005 self-titled debut album, the set relied heavily on new material. This was a bold move for the band's first live show after a five-month sequestration in the studio, but it certainly paid off. The material from “The Sun and the Moon” was well-received by the appreciative crowd who clapped and sang along at every opportunity.
It is evident from this first preview of the new material that The Bravery aren't going to mess too much with the good thing they've got. The heavily synthesized, anthemic sound propelled them to international fame after the release of the debut album. The band toured extensively throughout 2005, including prestigious opening spots for U2 and Depeche Mode along with their own headlining tours, and steadily built a dedicated following.
The new songs continued in the vein of the first album, but with a distinctly harder edge. Eminently singable choruses are accompanied by the driving beats of Anthony “Ant” Burulcich, the intricate bass lines of Mike “Dirt” Hindirt, and the excellent power chords provided by Michael Zakarin. Synthesizers—a huge part of the sound on The Bravery's debut album—are also there (masterfully orchestrated by John Conway) but are less evidently the source of the band's new sound.
Indeed, it seems that the new songs have perhaps grown out of a democratic recognition of the individual strengths of the five contributing members of the band. Dazzling harmonies, Zakarin’s debut on “funky lap steel,” Dirt trading in his bass for a guitar, Endicott playing bass; these are all indications that the band members understand and respect their distinct sound, but are also interested in changing a few things here and there in order to keep the sound fresh.
Though the small venue served the purpose for the first of The Bravery’s not-so-secret secret shows, the new songs beg to be played in a larger venue where the band can really spread out (both onstage and in their sound) and allow their overwhelming energy and enthusiasm full reign. Songs like “Believe,” “This is Not the End,” “Angelina,” and “Rat In a Wall” (just a few of their new titles) hold the promise that The Bravery will have the energy, the power, and the right songs to continue their climb towards the top.
Look for The Bravery’s new album, “The Sun and the Moon” produced by Brendan O’Brien, due in early 2007 and check out the band’s official website for more information and tour dates over the coming months. Check out Interference.com’s interview with Sam Endicott regarding the band’s U2 stint here.
By Kimberly Egolf
2006.11
Cold, wind, and pouring rain are not ideal conditions to do much of anything. Nevertheless, as a dedicated concertgoer, I undertook the journey (getting only slightly lost and thoroughly soaked) to see New York City electro-rockers The Bravery’s return to the stage after completing the recording on their sophomore album, “The Sun and the Moon.”
As the quintet mounted the stage on Monday night and launched into the first chords of hit song “Unconditional,” the band seemed tentative reaching out and responding to the audience. Lead singer Sam Endicott, whose frenetic stage presence contributes heavily to the band’s overall live show, was obviously constrained by the tiny stage at Boston’s famed TT the Bear’s venue. By the third song, however, the band had admirably adapted to the cramped conditions and put on quite a show.
Choosing to perform only four songs off of the popular 2005 self-titled debut album, the set relied heavily on new material. This was a bold move for the band's first live show after a five-month sequestration in the studio, but it certainly paid off. The material from “The Sun and the Moon” was well-received by the appreciative crowd who clapped and sang along at every opportunity.
It is evident from this first preview of the new material that The Bravery aren't going to mess too much with the good thing they've got. The heavily synthesized, anthemic sound propelled them to international fame after the release of the debut album. The band toured extensively throughout 2005, including prestigious opening spots for U2 and Depeche Mode along with their own headlining tours, and steadily built a dedicated following.
The new songs continued in the vein of the first album, but with a distinctly harder edge. Eminently singable choruses are accompanied by the driving beats of Anthony “Ant” Burulcich, the intricate bass lines of Mike “Dirt” Hindirt, and the excellent power chords provided by Michael Zakarin. Synthesizers—a huge part of the sound on The Bravery's debut album—are also there (masterfully orchestrated by John Conway) but are less evidently the source of the band's new sound.
Indeed, it seems that the new songs have perhaps grown out of a democratic recognition of the individual strengths of the five contributing members of the band. Dazzling harmonies, Zakarin’s debut on “funky lap steel,” Dirt trading in his bass for a guitar, Endicott playing bass; these are all indications that the band members understand and respect their distinct sound, but are also interested in changing a few things here and there in order to keep the sound fresh.
Though the small venue served the purpose for the first of The Bravery’s not-so-secret secret shows, the new songs beg to be played in a larger venue where the band can really spread out (both onstage and in their sound) and allow their overwhelming energy and enthusiasm full reign. Songs like “Believe,” “This is Not the End,” “Angelina,” and “Rat In a Wall” (just a few of their new titles) hold the promise that The Bravery will have the energy, the power, and the right songs to continue their climb towards the top.
Look for The Bravery’s new album, “The Sun and the Moon” produced by Brendan O’Brien, due in early 2007 and check out the band’s official website for more information and tour dates over the coming months. Check out Interference.com’s interview with Sam Endicott regarding the band’s U2 stint here.
