Lonely The Brave: Gritty Delays and Epic Anthems at Student Central
Bands rarely get the crowd singing from the first word but at Student Central last Thursday, it was clear that David Jakes’ hypnotic baritone demands it. Lonely The Brave’s lead singer utters every word like it’s his last and it’s borderline spiritual. As the intro’s gritty delays fade, the 90s infused grunge vibes of their epic single Victory Line blissfully consumes the now defunct University of London Union [rebranded as the cringe worthy Student Central]. “So our steps begin to synchronize,” sang Jakes, in perfect harmony with the crowd. It was an apt opening.
In front of a largely student audience, Jakes and the gang demand complete attention. The sadly common sight of smartphones and iPads is thankfully rare, as the crowd try to grasp the moment.
With the enigmatic frontman near the back in his usual position and Mark Trotter on guitar conducting proceedings, it’s an unusual set up but it works. It allows Jakes to sing his heart out whilst Trotter pulls the crowd in with his infectious charisma.
With the growing homogenisation of music and bands facing ever-increasing pressures to conform, it’s refreshing to see a guitar band break the rules. Especially when there are fuck all guitar bands out there making great music.
“They’re the best band in the world, they just don’t know it yet,” one super fan dressed in Lonely The Brave paraphernalia told me before the gig. I’m inclined to agree as rarely do band’s build such a collective euphoria amongst their fans and it was evident again tonight.
Every track on Lonely The Brave’s debut album The Day’s War is a hit and they rifle through them with gleaming precision. Trotter takes just one moment to ask if anyone has bought the album. Of course they have. “Thank you so fucking much for coming, it means the world to us,” he says.
Lonely The Brave also treat us to a brand new song called Control, which sounds like another ready-made anthem and will be featured on a new edition of the band’s debut album under the title The Day’s War- Victory Edition. Opening with fuzzy guitars, the song switches several time signatures and builds to a climax with half time choruses. It fits perfectly in their current set and is perhaps a sign that they’re working on a more expansive sound for the next record.
The chilled tones of Dinosaurs are interwoven with explosive tracks like Deserter and Black Saucers. Perhaps the only disappointment was that they didn’t return for an encore.
Nevertheless, they finish on a classy note with drummer Gavin Edgeley throwing set lists into the prying hands of dedicated fans, reminding me that I haven’t seen a guitar band this good since Bloc Party, circa 2006.
Article and photo credited to:
This post was categorised in Archive.