THE BRAVE: Carnival of Sins
The Brave – Stayce Roberts, Malcolm Paris, John Spittle – are back with the third installment from the “resurrected” and newly inspired version of the iconic AOR/hard rock band from the early ‘90s made famous by their debut Elefante brother produced Battle Cries.
Once again self-produced and self-released, Carnival of Sins remains true to the accessible, melodic hard rock of Evie’s Little Garden (2021) and its wonderful successor Gravedigger (2022). The formula they’ve got going here is both familiar/retro and yet progressively “new,” especially in the sound quality.
The Brave are successful in crafting a genuinely rock vibe while mixing in a worshipful/praise (but not in the traditional CCM/contemporary worship manner) element. While some of this may not appeal to metalheads, these songs ring loudly with truth and sincerity … and they rock with a humble conviction that is quite refreshing.
The title track leads off with a strong message…
“Step inside the Carnival/the Carnival of Sins/You can be anything you want just as long as you give in…”
…and plenty of punch and melodic bliss to make the message stick.
“Don’t waste another minute/Looking for something in it/Because it catches your eye/Sideshows and magic provided by fanatics/And offered up as a lie/You’re walking the tightrope now”
“When You Believe” sounds just like a hopeful offering of faith lifted from the pages of late ‘80’s/early ‘90’s AOR rock. Clean, pure … sincere.
The somewhat drowsy pace and vibe of “The Witching Hour” perfectly channels the message of compromise which can occur in our greatest moments of weakness “in the darkness, after midnight.” The guitar solo late in the song emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of the message to stay true during these dark hours of loneliness. Drummer Spittle gets a chance in the outro run to improvise, and then the bluesy guitar puts it all to sleep with that final run of glory. Brilliantly crafted song from alpha to omega.
Think you got it all together “Calendar Man?” This is one of those contemporary The Brave songs which reeks of wisdom lyrically as musically it perfectly straddles the world of AOR melodic bliss with modern rock production quality.
“The Calendar Man was once an innocent guy/Before the corporate world/Took up all his time…”
Subsequently, “Lifeline” is pure old school unapologetic, melodic balladic silk. Roberts shines with his humble and sincere praise, his voice so convincingly and compellingly genuine and filled with hope and appreciation that you can’t help but want to sing along in accord.
Go ahead, “Rise Again!” This mid-tempo rocker is another song of praise, but with enough edge and grit to cut to the heart of the most devout rocker. There is some subtle guitar shred in this song that almost feels melodic metal, but this song drips of melodic rock honey.
In contrast, “Knock, Knock” is one of my favorite songs on Carnival of Sins because it draws deep from the well of ‘70’s (Styx/Queen) operatic progressive rock. Not only are the vocal layers sublime, the drum grooves, the guitar rhythms and the message are timelessly radical, yet accessible all the same. The music is rife with great guitar and drum licks but that final vocal line steals the show…
“Somebody told him of the water/That saves anybody in need/Where anyone seeking salvation/Can take of the cup and drink…”
One criticism at this point might be there are more of these AOR type songs than heavier rockers. I think “Undertow” falls fairly into that category; its softness may be just a bit too soft for this point in the album where fans/listeners might need to hear just a bit more aggressiveness. Regardless, standing on its own merit, the song is genuine, confessional. We’ve all been here, frustrated with where we’re stuck … it works.
Similarly, “The Better Part of Me” feels a bit more pedestrian musically, but you can’t argue with the lyrics, this one featuring Luke Easter on guest vocals, his contribution minimal, yet effective. “Streets of Gold,” for me at least, is a bit more effective. Its equally emotive qualities are better flushed out with a bit of drum tom play and a moving rhythm.
Subsequently, the narrative “My Extraordinary Life” winds the album down to conclusion with a testimonial tale of wonder – the word-smithery here clearly the focus…
“It’s just my Extraordinary Life/It’s still a wonder I’m alive/It’s like He’s given me/The chance to see who I could be…
It’s just my Extraordinary King/ Who took my life and gave it wings/My life is but an offering/My Extraordinary Life”
In finale, we have yet another balladic tune in “Find My Way.” I think the fairest criticism from rock fans of Carnival of Sins is going to be the mellow approach. Fair enough. Evie’s Little Garden was diverse and edgy, and Gravedigger was extremely well-balanced. Regardless, these songs bleed with passion and sincerity which is to be praised.
In summery, there is no doubt in my mind that Carnival of Sins will be one of the most listenable rock albums of the year. Yes, they’ve stepped back a bit on the crunch and power, but the melodic glory surpasses any lack of aggression. The sound mix/production is superb and fans can rejoice in yet another collection of inspiring songs for praise and edification of mind and spirit.
Track Listing:
1. Carnival of Sins (4:55)
2. When You Believe (5:28)
3. The Witching Hour (6:51)
4. Calander Man (4:43)
5. Lifeline (5:15)
6. Rise Again (4:58)
7. Knock Knock (4:34)
8. Undertow (4:54)
9. The Better Part of Me (4:40)
10. Streets of Gold (4:45)
11. My Extraordinary Life (5:38)
12. Find My Way (5:38)
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