CoC : Brave - Searching for the Sun : Review

Brave - _Searching for the Sun_
(Dark Symphonies, 2002)
by: Pedro Azevedo (7.5 out of 10)

Formerly known as Arise From Thorns, Brave are a band that knows how to use their skills in a way that suits them. On _Searching for the Sun_ they do not try to sound heavy or depressed; they simply concern themselves with showcasing their technical merits and Michelle Loose's talented vocals. While a lot of the material on this album comes across as quite radio-friendly, some of it also has a reasonable metallic edge. This is hardly a metal release at all, though you can tell there's a progressive metal influence at work -- fans of older Anneke-era The Gathering will be interested in this one, as long as they can tolerate the loss of the heavy guitar sound. The music is, of course, very melodic; it's neither sad nor happy, though generally warm and possibly uplifting (depending on the listener). I am left wondering how such an album fits in a label called Dark Symphonies -- more so if I look at the sunny album title, which doubles the irony of it all -- but that doesn't detract from the quality of the music inside. If you too are "searching for the sun" instead of darker soundscapes, then you should give Brave a chance -- but you must be prepared for the album's very light atmosphere.

Contact: http://www.bravemusic.com

(article published 21/3/2003)