The new wave-revival which was started a year or three ago, seems to be far from over. You don’t hear me complain, because I can’t get enough of this stuff. Especially if it results in groups like The Bravery from America. While for instance Franz Ferdinand and The Killers are rather guitar-oriented, this formation around singer Sam Endicott uses a more danceable approach.

It quickly becomes clear where the members of The Bravery found their sound: the influences from New Order, Duran Duran, The Cure and The Smiths are obvious. Also in their looks: black clothing, make-up. Endicott sounds like a cross between The Strokes-singer Julian Casablancas and Robert Smith (the track ‘Give in’ could be included on a random The Cure-album) – so not very original, but if you’re looking for something innovative, you’re at the wrong address with The Bravery.

Their debut album, which came out a few months ago, opens with ‘An honest mistake’, which is carried by New Order-esque keyboards and which blasts out of your speakers in a pumping manner. The tracks navigate between new wave, punk en Blondie-like disco (like ‘Public Service Announcement’). Indeed, with every song you might think: hey, that sounds like [fill in the name of an 80’s artist].

In favour of The Bravery speaks that their debut leaves a uniform impression, and does not come across as a patchwork of styles and influences. Almost nowhere the pace slows down, almost each song contains a fine bass loop or pounding drums. Like I said before, it’s not highly orginal, but very tasty! On their official site you can listen to some fragments and watch video’s of ‘An honest mistake’ and ‘Fearless’.

Author: Araglin. Published on: Thursday, July 28th, 2005.
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