Brigade are probably better known for being the band of a certain Charlie Simpson‘s brother, which is probably the worst way to go about trying to carve a career. Not that it’s the band’s fault, it’s just lazy people like me who like to make those kind of comparisons. Brigade, who have been given a leg up by Simpson Jr by heading out on tour with Fightstar, don’t actually sound a million miles away from the former boy-band member’s new project. Metal-lite riffs and some build-ups that come across like Biffy Clyro are evident, but not as striking as either Biffy or Fightstar.
Brigade really lack identity. There’s nothing that sticks out and very little to sucker you in. After listening to the four songs here, none of which really caught my eye (or ears), I’m left thinking that Brigade have only made the waves they have because of their industry leg-ups, rather than their immense talents. Sure, the band clearly have talent, but this EP is just uninspiring and passed me by. There are better bands, so check them out before Brigade…
paul