Cambridge’s Lonely The Brave set hearts and pulses racing when they released their breathtaking EP ‘Backroads’ last year, and have gained so much from it over the last twelve months or so. The quartet have graced stages at Download, Glastonbury, and Reading and Leeds with their presence; they’ve opened for Deftones; and they’ve shared a stage alongside Bruce Springsteen at the Olympic Park. Not many bands can boast such credits with a four-track EP to their name. Now, finally, they’re gearing up to release their debut album ‘The Day’s War’. They say that good things come to those who wait – people have waited, and this release is better than “good”.
Atmospheric opener ‘Intro’ brings but a mere taste of what lies in wait, before launching into the euphoric ‘Trick Of the Light’. It’s here that David Jakes immediately demonstrates his monstrous vocals; his soaring, elephantine vocals perfectly compliment the arena-esque riffs that draw comparisons to Biffy Clyro. EP favourites ‘Backroads’ and ‘Deserter’ yet again serve to remind just why Lonely The Brave have been making waves within the music industry:;melodic hooks and raw, understated power pack a whopping punch.
‘Kings Of the Mountain’ simply soars with its huge chorus, before they wind the tempo down with title track ‘The Day’s War’. A beautiful yet short acoustic, it really allows the guys to shine; their talent is astounding, and Jakes yet again proves himself a formidable vocalist with his sentimental lyrics. The downside? It’s far too short and is over in the blink of an eye, while penultimate track ‘Call Of Horses’ is a last rush of energy before Lonely The Brave sign off.
‘The Day’s War’ is a debut album that Lonely The Brave can be really, really proud of. ‘Backroads’ was an EP that offered a glimpse of what these guys had to offer, and this album has delivered on the graceful talent that they promised. It’s a bittersweet release; the intangible sadness that Jakes vocals and the lyrics contain are an emotional tug on the heartstrings, but the exhilaration that their riffs and overall sound bring is simply something else. Expect to see this band hitting the big stages over the next year – if they don’t, then it’ll be a true tragedy.
JESS TAGLIANI