Brave - Waist Deep In Dark Waters (EP)

1. Spirit (4:26) 2. Dark Waters (3:52) 3. Lost (In Retrospect) (4:16) 4. To Search a Soul (Part 1 Faithspiral excerpt) (3:39)

Total Running Time: 16:17

For the knowledgeable and refined prog enthusiast, the word "Brave" might make a subconscious click with a well-known outfit that goes by the name of Marillion. This word makes reference to the conceptual masterpiece released by the band, a musical journey through the eyes of a girl that flirts with countless emotions and expressive melodies, sure to solidify a bond between artist and listener. Well, by the word "Brave", I'm actually referring to the progressive/atmospheric metal US-based band, previously known as Arise From Thorns, and its new EP release Waist Deep in Dark Waters. This band clearly displays no visible musical boundaries, perfectly arranging every one of its songs with an inherent sense of true emotion; and just for the record…we weren't too far off with the Marillion reference just mentioned.

Waist Deep in Dark Waters follows a very similar style to the one pioneered in the previous project Arise From Thorns, with the band wandering endlessly through intelligent, moody guitar riffs and emotive guitar melodies, all surrounded by a background of synth-based atmospheric clouds and textured acoustic layers filled with delicate arrangements. The musical direction employed by the band clearly reminds one of The Gathering, focusing on keeping a balance between chaos and beauty, all drenched in extremely heartfelt emotional passages. Amorphous and intricate rhythm structures would be the true essence of the band if it intended to pursue an instrumental path, but fortunately for us, this will most likely never happen.

Michelle's vocal melodies constitute the very soul of Brave. Her angelic, frail voice pours out as a graceful feather suspended in the autumn wind, caressing every presence coming her way. She is capable of exposing her feelings deep down to the core while preserving a dark air of mystery, luring the listener into a vulnerable, yet comfortable space and removing any barrier between them. A song like the opening track, "Spirit," can back up these comments in a matter of seconds. Likewise, I could probably list up the remaining tracks as great compositions that draw one closer to the band's aura, but the real shame is that this release comes to an end only when we begin to get engulfed by the band's music and sound.

Brave, indeed, has a huge potential behind it and is only waiting to be recognized. Regretfully, for now, this release is only in EP format, and is out of the reach of most listeners. Hopefully, however, we will be hearing from these guys again real soon.

-by Javier Elizondo

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