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Overall Rating (Avg): 7.6
Released: March 29th, 2005 - 11 Tracks - (37:51) - (Island)

Standout Tracks: "Fearless", "Give In", "Unconditional"

Listen to "Fearless" as you read:



Album Art Rating: 5.5 Rock music was meant to be danced to, and electronic music was meant to not suck. They both seem to have lost their way a little, but the Bravery’s self-titled debut album brings back the best of both worlds with an intense, danceable, and still emotionally stirring hybrid of rock and electronica.
The key to the Bravery’s power is instrumental balance. Emerging from the NYC disco rock scene, the quintet’s beat mimics disco and techno, while their guitars stay more rock ‘n’ roll, giving them power and style. Their singer, Sam Endicott, uses a deeper male voice reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand, which fits nicely between the guitars and keyboards and creates an unusual melody. The band’s defining characteristic, however, is their keyboard and synth player, John Conway, who adds the depth and intelligence to the group that allows them to rock so hard and be so new. With multiple effects on each track, Conway’s instrumentation completes and separates each song and gives the Bravery their electricity. The combination of these five sounds creates a very refreshing, very addictive forty minutes of music.
Every track on this album is distinct and worth listening to, but two tracks that show the Bravery at their best are "Give In" and "The Ring Song". They are the most emotionally powerful, and lyrically represent the rest of the album. With clever contradictions, like “all I want is everything” (Give In), and more serious reflections, like “me and the ocean... I don’t think it was meant to be” (The Ring Song), the Bravery’s lyrics are always fun and thought-provoking. The rest you really have to hear for yourself.
My only complaint of the Bravery is that sometimes Sam Endicott could sing with more energy. His lack of power at times is made up for by the rest of the Bravery’s sound, but every band needs a strong singer to carry them, which Endicott is not. Don’t let this phase you, though; give the Bravery a minute of listening and you will be hooked. Last, keep in mind that An Honest Mistake is not The Bravery at their best - you need the whole album, and 38 minutes of your life set aside to experience the Bravery.
~David Miracchi


SCORE: 7.5

David's Bottom Line: New smart rock from the heart, without the whining. Plus shades of techno and disco. Basically, awesome.


SCORE: 7

Joe: The Bravery have put a spin on basic rock riffs by tossing a keyboard into the mix. This album is consistent, but this consistency is easy to keep when you use such simple melodies.

SCORE: 7.5

Aaron: I loved the sound all the way through and it is definitly worth the money. If you like the Killers or other similar bands, this album is astounding. And Joe... who cares if it's simple melodies; it sounds great and varies from song to song, always keeping you drawn in.

Score: 8.5

Ben: This album is so innovative, I would hesitate to even call it techno. It combined the techniques of techno with some amazing rock riffs and melodies, resulting in a whole new musical experience, one that I whole-heartedly enjoyed.


Videos

"Fearless"



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