The Bravery - The Bravery

Forget for a moment the rumors that suggest the lead singer of this New York five-piece used to play in a ska outfit called, yes, Skabba the Hut. It's a given that a band that so brazenly apes the Strokes' scratchy vocals, Interpol's deep bass grooves and the Killers' shimmering new wave melodies is hardly concerned about being written off as unfashionably fashionable. In two years time the Bravery could very well be making robotic Afro-Cuban funk albums, or whatever other hipster style happens to be troubling the charts at the time, and it would suit them just fine. Right now, the group has the neo-post-punk thing nailed, complete with warm-fuzzy tunes like "An Honest Mistake" and "Unconditional," that, if nothing else, should at least manage lure a few more bodies onto the dance-floor. -- Aidin Vaziri Amazon.com

If it wasn't for terrible mastering, it could have been good

I can only listen to this CD through my car's crappy system. For home listening, it's hard to make it more than 30 seconds into track 2. It is recorded/mastered way too hot, there's no dynamics at all. July 29, 2008

Review

This is one of the albums that you wish for. You buy a CD for one song and hope that the rest of the album is ok, or at least there is one or two other songs that justify your purchase..... The Bravery is one band that delivers. I just hope that with their new found fame they don't lose their beginnings.... The Bravery rocks !!!!! May 4, 2008

GREAT ALBUM

THIS ALBUM HOLDS UP WITH MANY OF THE 80'S BEST NEWWAVE BANDS, AND ONE
OF MY FAVORITE NEW ARTISTS. January 16, 2008

A great album that can appeal to anyone

Through their use of synth-driven rhythms and gravelly vocals, The Bravery has created a contagious and definitely fearless album that can appeal to anyone.
One of the most infectious parts of The Bravery's self-titled debut is their skilled creation of dark-hued yet energetic beats. The Bravery successfully hides the fact that this is the first album that they have produced, and instead of timidly introducing their heavy electronic sound, they launch into it with confidence and even a little swagger. Because it's their first album, some might expect all the songs to sound the same. However, while still keeping they're main style, they branch out making each song unique. Additionally, their brilliant rhythms and use of key instruments such as the guitar and keyboard help make the songs congruent with one another. Thus, the end result is 10 songs that all tie together into one intriguing and harmonious album.

Although their unique twist on 80's new wave and techno-rock seems to be the key to their success, it is really Sam Endicott's strong vocals that carry each song home. Endicott's voice, a blend of Robert Smith (of The Cult) and Brandon Flowers (of The Killers), conveys all the emotions that the lyrics minimize. In "Unconditional", Endicott's voice has hints of bitterness and regret like a man mourning over a lost love, while "Out of Line" showcases his ability to sound cynical and apologetic at the same time. Another reason why Endicott's haunting voice is so effective is because he does not struggle to compete with the keyboard which is front and center in most of The Bravery's songs. Because of this, his voice seems to guide the music in the background. Though the emphasis is not on lyrics, the meaning behind each song still comes through in an honest and engaging way and any music loving person can relate to that.

To sum things up, in spite of all the different tastes people have in music, The Bravery is so exemplary in their specific style that they appeal to many diverse individuals. Because of their contagious sound and even better vocals they have built a strong image for themselves as well as a foundation that will sustain them far into the future.

January 9, 2008

Awesome-Rebirth of the 80s-great music!

I was a 80s child. This CD is great. Every song is awesome. Since the mid 90s, a lot of music on the market has lacked the "wow" factor. This music does have that 80s/New Wave feel to it. Great bass and guitar riffs. Great keyboard. Great drum. I saw these guys playing for an hour special on Directv. Every song was awesome/a live album would be worth it from this band. This album is more techno/more New Orderish than the second. More dance music. I am 36 years old and I find this one of my favorite CDs. June 13, 2007

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