Lonely the Brave take to the stage on October 6 at a bustling Electric Ballroom, Camden, promoting their new album, Things Will Matter, released earlier in the year.
The crowd has already been treated to a punchy supporting set from Brighton-based rockers, Tall Ships and the three-piece outfit impressed with an energetic performance from frontman Ric Phethean, and clever use of looping as part of an exciting blend of indie and math-rock.
Despite excitable applause from the crowd, the headliners appear with little fanfare; there’s no meticulously rehearsed introduction to speak of and frontman, David Jakes, slips onto the stage almost unnoticed. Absent is the posturing so frequently projected by rock bands and, although there’s nothing at all wrong with a little showmanship, there’s something undeniably genuine and charmingly modest about Lonely the Brave. It certainly doesn’t lessen the impact of the band’s first number as they kick into action with the layered vocals of Black Mire alongside a crowd that’s more than happy to lend its voice.
Jake spends much of his time stood just behind lead guitarist, Mark Trotter. His mic cable isn’t fashionably wrapped around his wrist, and he doesn’t swing his mic stand or thrash about the stage. He simply closes his eyes, nods his head and sings. And boy can he sing. His voice scythes through a malaise of guitar and drum with ease, and is steeped in a clear emotion that drawers the crowd in further and further.
By River, River the venue pounds as the crowd claps to the beat and roars along to the chorus, refusing to let up as the band transitions into their next number, The Blue, the Green. A clear highlight of the night is a cover of Pink Floyd’s, Comfortably Numb – the performance is faithful enough to the prog-rock classic, without any loss of identity in the process. No doubt it appealed to both ardent Floyd and Lonely the Brave fans alike. An unmistakably punchy beat signals Backroads, and it’s the last song before a short break, followed by Call of Horses and Black Saucers for the encore.
Lonely the Brave’s brand of alternative rock is as strong as ever. Here’s a band that doesn’t bow to convention, captivating live audiences not with outlandish outfits, props, or onstage antics, but flawlessly performed, emotionally charged, honest rock.
