| Musical Style: Melodic Hard Rock | Produced By: Stayce Roberts |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2024 | Artist Website: The Brave |
| Tracks: 12 | Rating: 75% |
| Running Time: 62:23 |
The September of 2024 independent The Brave sixth full length-album Carnival Of Sins has some nice songs but otherwise is not on the same level musically as its more consistent predecessors. The Los Angeles, California based power trio has been on a prolific run as of late, releasing in 2021 its fourth album Evie’s Little Garden and following year fifth Gravedigger (each also independent). The group previously put out in 1992 the AOR of its Pakaderm Records debut Battle Cries prior to following up on Pakaderm with a bluesy hard rock yielding for 1994 sophomore effort Trust. Independent 2014 third offering Rise based upon the AOR and bluesy sides in featuring new material and re-recorded classics from Battle Cries and Trust.
The groups more recent albums ‘(embody) the definition of AOR meets melodic hard rock’ (quoting the 90% Angelic Warlord review to Evie’s Little Garden) in addition to ‘a darker semblance and on occasion a metal guitar sheen’ (85% Gravedigger review). Whereas Carnival Of Sins trends similar musical territory and presents with its share of choice material - revealed in the catchy melodies and layered harmonizing The Brave is renown - it also includes a few too many songs I struggle with repeat listen. Perhaps it is due to a similar mid-tempo feel permeating several tracks or lack of engaging, guitar driven energy holding back others, but in my opinion Carnival Of Sins does not measure up when placed alongside its musically deeper counterparts.
Consider in this capacity ““When You Believe”, “Calendar Man” and “Undertow”, a trio of mid-tempo melodic rockers that despite the groups complementary silky vocal melodies and glassy keyboards lack the vibrancy and memorable hooks to separate with repeat play. The needed energy and muscle is missing here. Likewise, commercial ballad “Lifeline” fails to distinguish and does nothing to change my mind regarding the predictable mid-tempo slant to much of the material here.
Hence, some upbeat verve would be helpful to sidestep the analogous leaning, but when The Brave does pick up the pace on “The Better Part Of me”, rough and scratchy guest co-lead vocalist Luke Easter sounds out of place. Easter, obviously, is a talented singer, but I feel his gruffer style better suited for heavier bands such as Tourniquet and Vengeance Rising. Which leads to the point at hand: if I am recording a melodic hard rock album, and am interested in hiring a guest vocalist, first names that come to mind are those proven within the genre such as Jamie Rowe (Guardian, AdrianGale & Kalamity Kills) and Eddie Green (Fear Not).
Good news is remaining Carnival Of Sins material is up to The Brave standard. Albums opening title track is one such piece, a heavier anthem capturing the magic to Evie’s Little Garden and Gravedigger: melodic harmonizing, distinctive guitars and engrained hooks. Vocalist and guitarist Stayce Roberts, lone The Brave member to appear on all six albums, shines with his gritty lower to mid-ranged vocals and glowing lead guitar. Lyric snippet:
Now the house of mirrors only show
What the devil wants you to see
And the bearded lady is only there
Just to hide the hypocrisy
You know the Freak Show’s on full display
And the Strongman steals the show
The taste and smell
Of a darkened world
Tells you all you need to know
“The Witching Hour” is another favorite at a progressive seven minutes. As its title implies, song takes a darker stance with ominous bass texturing of a laid-back form but breaking out at moments notice with unswerving rhythm guitar accelerated impetus. A haunting but commercial melody ranks with albums finest. Creative instrumental run closing the final two minutes allows band to highlight its extensive musicianship.
“Rise Again” is a much-needed up-tempo hard rocker. The towering energy exuded is a welcome change of pace, with the Stryper like guitar harmonies and athletic temper combining to make albums most immediate draw you in at once statement. Carnival Of Sins would benefit significantly if it had included several additional upbeat songs along this line. Lyric snippet:
Who am I that He would die for me
Who’s this man, who says He bore my sin
They said they hardly knew Him
But He says, I knew you all
One by one, He bought us for the call
Take me, nail me up and I’ll rise again
This I do that you will never feel the pain
Take me, pierce my side that you may know
When I return, with me is victory
“Knock Knock” ranks with my choice The Brave songs. It beguiles with concentrated vocal melodies hinting of Def Leppard - somewhat akin to Evie’s Little Garden cut “Love: Automatic” - and blends light medieval sentiments to push the creative envelope. Guitars crunch in hard rock form and hooks captivate with an eighties radio friendly form. This one proves The Brave has not lost its touch.
Albums heaviest is “Streets Of Gold”. With guitars crossing the metal threshold, song rumbles its distance giving prominence to a swarthy semblance with intermittent ethereal feedback and John Spittle’s labyrinthine timekeeping. Yet, a lighter resonance separates in terms of the groups ever-present lacquered vocal melodies. Carnival Of Sins deserves to include a few more comparable heavier cuts. Lyric snippet:
These days are numbered at best
We run from our fears and hide from the rest
We cry, yes we cry out for an answer
Narrow is the road we walk
For the weak, for the strong, and the bold
Voices in the darkness crying out for the Light
To reveal His promise
Streets of gold
The heaviness carries over to ensuing track “My Extraordinary Life”, a varied piece punctuating quieter moments inbred to feathery guitar and others in which decided guitar exudes a near power metal feel. Refrain is borderline mesmerizing (almost dreamy) with its chanted sing along appeal repeating songs title in persuasive fashion. I challenge you to keep this one out of your head with repeat play.
“Find My Way” is better of albums two ballads. It takes a heavy rocking approach, interlaced with acoustic guitar and piano in emanating a commercial melody but also seeping guitar driven muscle in complementary amounts. Yes, this one might be a bit formula, but it is also exceedingly well done. Lyric snippet:
Find my way
Lord I need to
Find my way
I need You to lead me to the place
Where grace and mercy stay
With every step upon the floor
And every time I couldn’t take anymore
That’s when I need You…
The seven best Carnival Of Sins songs capture the quality to the respective 85% and 90% scores assigned to Gravedigger and Evie’s Little Garden; remaining five not so much. Added songwriting variety away from a mostly mid-tempo pace would go a long way to a more engaging listen and higher score. To achieve such I encourage The Brave to underscore in the future its songwriting with several additional upbeat, high-energy numbers in addition to added elements of guitar heavy focus. That said I hope I have not been unfairly harsh in my assessment of the album, but I feel The Brave is capable of much more in terms of overall package of songs. I do not intend to denigrate either in that its seven better cuts still make Carnival Of Sins a necessary purchase for fans of The Brave and AOR and melodic hard rock genres.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Carnival Of Sins” (4:56), “When You Believe” (5:28), “The Witching Hour” (6:51), “Calendar Man” (4:43), “Lifeline” (5:14), “Rise Again” (4:59), “Knock Knock” (4:34), “Undertow” (4:55), “The Better Part Of Me” (4:40), “Streets Of Gold (4:45), “My Extraordinary Life” (5:38), “Find My Way” (5:38)
Musicians
Stayce Roberts - Lead Vocals, Guitars and Keyboards
Malcolm Paris - Bass
John Spittle - Drums
