The Brave

Set somewhere between out-and-out metal and AOR, this is a pretty impressive debut despite a cover pic that's straight out of Spinal Tap. Once you've got "All Together Now", the opening track of this set, out of the way you discover a band who have an identity all of their own. This really comes alive three tracks in on "If That Ain't Love" - a typical heavy stomper if ever I heard one, a kind of anthem for the band. From thereon in they show an enthusiasm for great guitar work and highly distinguishable lyrics (uncommon for 85 percent of heavies) which is both gratifying and hugely rewarding in the context of their work. "Running All My Life" is controlled play of the highest heavy order and "Tears Of A Broken Heart" is their finest moment. Despite the cover it's worth giving these guys a listen.