Introducing: Lonely The Brave

Lonely The Brave have spent the last few months making waves around the music world. Gathering praise for their distinctive live performances supporting the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Zico Chain, it was their haunting performances at Reading and Leeds and the mammoth support for ambient metallers Deftones in the French capital that propelled the band into the mainstream conscious.

Heralded as the “next big thing” by a wealth of influential industry folk, things are looking increasingly promising for the Cambridge quintet. Fortunately this praise isn’t without merit; their recently released four track EP ‘Backroads’ blends soaring atmospheric rock with insightful lyrics and frontman David Jakes’ gritty vocals. The result is as heavily honest as it is beautiful.

Recently expanding with the acquisition of Joel Mason as second guitarist, Lonely The Brave have been creating these sounds for three years – the last of which has seen their exposure increase significantly.

“We’ve had some crazy things happen to us this year that have completely blown our mind,” drummer Gavin ‘Mo’ Edgeley recalls. “We all feel really grateful to have had the year we’ve had and to be in this position in the first place.”

Edgeley refers not only to the aforementioned accolades, but also well-received festival slots at various other festivals, including the intense rock gathering that is Download. It’s a year that still leaves him mystified

“Sometimes you can find yourself scratching your head and asking ‘is this really happening?!’ But we love it and won’t take it for granted for a second.”

It’s quite an achievement for a band set on forging their unique path. In part due to their musical style and in part due to their lack of interest in trends, Lonely The Brave are rightly self-proclaimed as devoid of a scene. “We just spent a lot of time in our rehearsal room writing these songs and this is just the end result of a bit of hard work,” Edgeley explains when questioned about the band’s direction.

This no-nonsense attitude which permeates through the EP is also what attracted Hassle Records. Perhaps an unlikely pairing on the surface, Edgeley is keen to express the natural fit. “Signing to them was a bit of a no brainer really as we [felt] they get what we’re about, and [vice-versa],” he remarks.

The backbone of Lonely The Brave’s sound is the emotion pouring out of the lofty melody. Both the overall compositions and the lyrics are heavy with honesty. Edgeley offers a tantalising reason for the intensity in their sound.

“I think it just comes from trying to be 100% open and honest about the feeling and emotion that you put into your music,” he muses. “We just tried to put everything we could into the record, from a physical and emotional point of view. Hopefully that comes across in the record.”

This intensity also dominates their live show. Despite Jakes’ apparent introversion on stage – he largely projects from the back of the stage – the band put their all into their performance. “We just get on stage and give it everything we’ve got,” Edgeley asserts. “Seeing bands that are obviously just going through the motions when it comes to playing live is pretty sad, especially as people are paying good money to come and see you. We all love playing live and I think the record translates well into that environment.”

Lonely The Brave’s initial success is due to their sheer dedication. It is clear that they throw themselves into their endeavours with their heart firmly on their sleeve. Their honestly and hardworking attitude is ultimately reflected in their complex and mature musicianship. With their debut full-length – ‘The Day’s War’ – on the horizon, and with support from a multitude of people, Lonely The Brave are an exciting prospect.

“You can expect a record that’s very real and heartfelt,” Edgeley concludes when asked about the forthcoming album. “We worked hard on it and are proud of how it’s come out.”

It is this hard-working attitude that will eventually pay off.

Lonely The Brave play a sold out show at London’s Lexington on the 15th October before returning for a headline show at Cargo on the 30th January.

BEN TIPPLE