Alt-Pop Trio Bråves Release Self-Titled Debut Album

Jordan Bailey

Bråves would describe themselves as “artistic pop visionaries,” an easy idea to adopt once the sounds of their debut self-titled album hit your ears. After showing signs of success with the release of their singles “Lovely Bones,” and the viral NSFW hit, “Dust,” Bråves have been hard at work on their new LP, an album with all the feels.

The standout single, or at least the most popular one among fans is “Me The Thief.” This track maintains that pop rock feel with a noticeable ode to Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Braves has taken that famous opening guitar sequence that classic rock fans know and love, but added an electronic spin of their own. In fact, the entire song follows the same path as “Sweet Child,” sonically and thematically. While Axl Rose’s lyrics were from love letter to his then-wife, Braves took a more introspective approach to the feeling with lyrics like, “Love, I can’t explain it. I gotta taste it, to know it’s real.” The video shows love in true, raw form via couples of all races, genders and even species showing affection in their birthday suits.

“A Toast” starts off with a boisterous voice pouring out his heart, reflecting on how he “drank the poison” of a woman and “swallowed her seed.” A notion of betrayal is made apparent by the proceeding hook, “You really fucked me over, so here’s a toast to you.” The video is well done and quite powerful as a young couple walk toward camera, slowing panning out to show a smiling man, all too happy to have been stabbed by the woman he holds close. The crowded market in the backdrop moves in reverse as the woman holding a bloody knife swells with sorrow. The track itself speaks to Braves’ sound as a whole – a nice mix of pop, alternative and electronic with the added sensation of the ethereal. “Lion Heart” is reminiscent of Top 40 pop with its general positive message and uplifting chorus. “Joan of Arc” has its glitches, yet is pleasing to the discerning pop ear. With a deep house ambiance, “Survive” is one of the stronger tracks on the album when it comes to the electronic side. It’s easy to see how mixed the album is, from track to track you’ll find various feels, moods and tones.

Bråves are on the verge of something. It seems they’re riding a very fine line and it’s not quite clear where they stand when it comes to genre. Hardcore fans of electronic will find them too pop oriented and pop fans may find them not up to par, particularly in comparison to what’s genuinely popular. Those who flock towards the indie genre can find underground bands that are out of this world, while still maintaining a love for Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead. There’s not a real market in pop music for this type of underground fandom. Pop is pop for a reason, because it’s popular. So when a band doesn’t quite cross that threshold into the mainstream, a music fan can quickly become indifferent.  All this said, Braves’ debut album is a promising effort. The production is fantastic and they’re lyrically strong and poetic. In due time, word will spread. Braves will almost certainly find their way into the hearts and ears of fans worldwide.

Bråves’ self-titled debut album is available Feb. 23 on Apple Music.