New Music Review: BRAVE ‘The Calm / The Storm’

BRAVE 'The Calm The Storm' - COVER PHOTO

Rating: 8.0 / 10 Stars

Rating: 8 out of 10.

BRAVE is: Ben Kelly (bass guitar), Matt Zozar (acoustic and electric guitar), Michelle Schrotz (vocals and keyboards), Scott Loose (acoustic and electric guitar, ukulele, and keyboards), Suvo Sur (violin and keyboards), and Trevor Schrotz (drums)

REVIEW – Hailing from Washington DC,  the six-piece progressive rock veterans Brave bring a new ten song album titled ‘The Calm / The Storm’. The spectrum of songs showcases varying genres ranging from heavy guitar riffs to acoustic sounds. The band consists of: Ben Kelly (bass guitar), Matt Zozar (acoustic and electric guitar), Michelle Schrotz (vocals and keyboards), Scott Loose (acoustic and electric guitar, ukulele, and keyboards), Suvo Sur (violin and keyboards), and Trevor Schrotz (drums).

The first track, “I Will Wait,” sinks in with the blaring guitar riffs and lead singer Michelle Schrotz’s voice. The follow up song, “Mystery” starts with a pounding rock setting leading into Schrotz’s haunting vocals. “A Thousand  Miles of Sand” slows the tone down with a dream like engaging resonance one would listen to when sitting on the beach or watching clouds in the sky. The violin blends seamlessly into the slow paced rock sound. The next song “No Gravity” is a gem that showcases the violin in the beginning bringing a classical hint to the song. The keyboard arrangements throughout the album bring a richer and fuller experience than a lot of new music popping up lately.

Brave were formed by guitarist Scott Loose and drummer Trevor Schrotz in 1996 under the original name Arise From Thorns during which they drafted Scott’s sister, Michelle Loose (Schrotz), as the lead vocalist. AFT was active from 1996 – 2000, and released two full-length albums—a self-titled record in 1997, and before an audience of stars in 1999. Renowned members during this period also included Chris Welborn on bass, and Tom Phillips on guitar. In 2000, AFT changed its name to Brave as the band felt their music had developed away from their early work, and in order to attain a definition in their progression of sound.

Throughout their career, Brave have had the chance to play various concerts in the United States, and opened for such varied bands as Opeth, Devin Townsend, Fates Warning, Geoff Tate (Queensryche), Lacuna Coil, Spock’s Beard, and many others.

Check out BRAVE’s Music Videos from ‘The Calm / The Storm’ for “I Will Wait”, “November” and “Electric Ravens” below.


Listen on Apple Music

More info can be found on BRAVE at:

www.BraveMusic.com
www.Facebook.BraveJamDC
www.Instagram.com/BraveJamDC
BraveDC.Bandcamp.com
Soundcloud.com/BraveJamDC
www.YouTube.com/BraveJamDC