THE BRAVE: Carnival of Sins

The Brave have returned with a new album and show no signs of slowing down. It’s 2024 and The Carnival of Sins  has come to town. This album, their third since 2021, continues a series of top tier world class releases. With sonic craft like this it’s a wonder that someone from the ‘big boy’ labels of rock music secular or christian hasn’t approached them to attempt some type of business arrangement.

Yes the quality here is that good. The sound production is solid with exceptional tone qualities whether the guitar, bass or drums. Stayce, Malcolm and John have provided some amazing performances which shine brilliantly here. With a tip of the hat to JR McNeely for a superb mixing job here.

Yet it always comes down to the songs isn’t that correct? And make no mistake to lovers to of melodic hard rock/metal the songs are here and in abundance.  Melodic and memorable with just enough crunch to power things along. The guitar solos are tasty with enough feel and speed to keep you reaching for that air guitar and wanting to hear it again.

Whether it’s album opener and title track “Carnival of Sins” with it’s wonderful hook and intriguing lyrical premise, Ala ka zam in deed! Or the first single “Knock Knock” with it’s invitation to partake of life eternal with Jesus. These highly memorable songs are really introductions to the rest of this extremely well crafted album.  The strong arrangements develop the melodies into ear worms which dig in and will refuse to let go.

Whether it’s the catchiness of “Undertow” a moody piece of mid tempo noir that takes a left turn at the chorus and  throws you on a melodic ride. Or the albums second song “When You Believe” that delivers such a piece of intricate melodic goodness. Perhaps it’s “Rise Again” which starts with a lot of heft, before it settles in to a mid tempo romp. The vocal melodies deliver such catchy hooks throughout it’s hard not to get caught up.

Think early 80s Journey vibes with Hysteria Def Leppard sheen right here. Make no mistake The Brave are not a Hair Metal Band, musically taking a flyer from Toto or Styx and throwing it into the Boston blender with Journey, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard and coming up with something that is more.

Someone is going to say, “Keven you just listed a bunch of 70s and 80s bands some with definite strong hair metal vibes. So what are you saying?”

I’m saying this isn’t Poison, Warrant or some cringy schlock. This is well developed, dare I say mature melodic hard rock/metal with at times proggy adventures into a bridge or segue way . Musicians all came from somewhere and those who are comfortable in their own skin will succeed in bringing something new and interesting. Those who aren’t seem to have to reinvent themselves or continually distance themselves from what they did before. Stayce and crew are very comfortable in their own skin and yet have continued to expand and enhance their sound without forgetting where they came from.

Luke Easter provides guest lead vocals on the song “The Better Part of Me.”

An ode to the prodigal in all of us. We desperately desire to walk along with the Lord but we drift, and desire to be home with our Lord. Stayce and Luke trade verses with a highly effective bit of melodic hard rock. A strong groove laden set of power chords pushes this song along, good stuff.

I really enjoy this record as I’ve listened to it probably 10x’s at this point. Yet there are two pieces of constructive criticism I would throw out here. Point one, perhaps some tightening up of the song lengths are in order.  For example the shortest track is 4 minutes and 34 seconds long, “Knock Knock.” The longest is “The Witching Hour” with a 6 minute and 51 second clock time! This is something I’ve noticed on prior Brave albums and honestly I do wish there were some more short snappers interspersed throughout the record. First time through and I’ll admit, there is some meandering to get to the end.

The second point would be, How about some short snappers in the 3-4 minute category?  Songs with a little bit faster tempo, interspersed through out? I’m not saying speed metal or something asinine like that. Def Leppard had “Run Riot” on Hysteria, Journey had “Keep on Running” from Escape. The faster tempo adds to the dynamics of the listening experience. Believe me when I say these criticisms are meant with the best intentions. Perhaps I’m just an old geezer these days, but a faster couple of tracks helps to prevent the mind from wandering.

Carnival of Sins from The Brave is a tremendous record.  A listening experience that is well worth the price of admission. Originally designed as a summer release this album hit’s the Autumn vibes just in time.  Melancholy and moody in places but yet full of life. This record is best heard loud, however I will say there is so much ear candy here that a good pair of headphones and suitable volume will shine the dynamics and hidden sonic jewels throughout. A top ten release in 2024 for sure! Essential!

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