Lonely The Brave released their debut album 'The Day's War' in August 2014, having already experienced success on tour supporting a diverse range of bands, the most notable of which being Bruce Springsteen. The album received generally positive reviews, and more tour success was to follow in support of the release.
There comes a point following all debut records, however, at which fans, media and labels, respectively, begin asking: what's next?
'The Day's War (Victory Edition)' is LTB's answer to this question. The album is a two disc release, the first of which is a re-issue of their debut, and the second comprising a mixture of new tracks, re-worked old tracks and live versions of both. As there already exists a comprehensive review of the original version of 'The Day's War' on here, I will predominantly be discussing the second disc.
The first track, a new offering entitled 'Control', seems to amalgamate of some of the best features of their previous album, the lead guitar intro remnant of the intro to 'Trick of the Light', and the rhythm guitar harmonically similar to that of 'Black Saucers'. Vocally, the track features Dave Jakes' classic style, holding on to high reaching notes over the driven guitar riffs, creating the type of that fist-pumping, life-affirming, passionate positivity.
One potential criticism of the original 'The Day's War' is the lack of diversity in terms of musical and vocal style; however, this is forgivable of a debut album. It does however mean that what fans and reviewers alike were looking for in new material was diversity, a diversity that is introduced with the second of the new tracks 'Oceana' and sustained with the following two, 'River, River' and 'Science'. Points of musical diversity include a crunchier, more distorted guitar sound ('Oceana'), experimentation with more dissonant sounds, contrasting with the euphoric assonance of the majority of their existing material, and the use of many different tempos (contrast between the driven 'Oceana' and far more relaxed 'Science'). Vocally, frontman Dave's long lasting notes and relatively static melodies are completely forgone in 'Oceana', the melody is ever changing throughout and many of notes are barely held. Overall, the new tracks show both a willingness and competence to diversify their sound, keeping the music fresh, and the fans interested.
The 'Redux' tracks, re-worked versions of previous songs again, serve to provide fans with yet another angle from which to view the band. Vocal melodies are experimented with, instrumentation altered and alternate production styles explored. When re-doing their old material, LTB show a willingness to keep fans guessing as to their next musical move, whilst highlighting what changes they can, and will undergo in the future. In addition, the use of re-worked old songs re-affirms the quality and depth of the lyrical content; intelligent and inspired words in a culture that has become passive in both its acknowledgement and appreciation of good lyricism.
Including live recordings is both another opportunity to showcase new material, and an alternative way of re-releasing previous material in yet another new format. LTB live shows themselves are an interesting experience, namely because the frontman is exactly the opposite to what his title suggests, he stands at the side of the stage behind the guitarists; this band is both musically and audience focused, introverted and devoid of arrogance and ego.
The wide variety of new and alternate material included on this album serves to bridge the gap between a life-affirming, blissfully exhilarating yet, at times musically under-developed debut, and any future releases; it shows their capability for experimentation, exploration and overall development as a band.
Lonely The Brave have a bright future ahead of them, and this album is a stepping-stone in that future's direction.
