The BraveryStir The Blood
Island Records [2009]
Fire Note Says: Band still struggling a bit with identity.
Album Review:
The Bravery's third LP, Stir The Blood is not nearly as bad as some critics might have you think but it does lack a certain amount of musical passion to completely pull of the brooding new wave output the band presents. There is not necessarily a stand out single and there are several tracks that should have been left on cutting floor such as the repetitive closing track "Sugar Pill". The Bravery actually may benefit from this less produced sounding record because tracks like "Slow Poison" and opener "Adored" let the band rip and run uncensored. This stronger attempt at attitude is an undertone that runs throughout Stir The Blood and gives The Bravery more edge compared to their more radio friendly effort The Sun And The Moon [2007]. Interesting enough, lead singer Sam Endicott, co-wrote Shakira's hit single "She Wolf" and the band had John Hill (Santigold, M.I.A.) produce, so it makes you wonder a bit what direction The Bravery want to go. I don't know if this gets in the way of pumping out a killer synth rock record but I believe the group does have the talent for a solid future album. Something that should be checked out is the bands cover version of Fleet Foxes "White Winter Hymnal", which is actually a pretty good sounding version that has the songs intimate harmonized vocals revved up Bravery style. The end line on Stir The Blood is that if you have been a fan then this record will appeal - if not, you can probably invest your time somewhere else for now!
Key Tracks: "Slow Poison", "Hate F**k", "Red Hands And White Knuckles"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Interpol
New Order
The Killers
Official Bravery Website
The Bravery MySpace
The Bravery Info [Allmusic]
Island Records
-Reviewed by Robyn Gatsby
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