Spoils (n.)– Goods or property seized from a victim after a conflict, especially after a military victory (Freedictionary.com).
The four-track EP Spoils of Wars from Bravefellow leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind that they are authentic determined and capable. From the first moment that Brad Allen Johnson’s voice is heard in the opening track “Cold Blooded Lovers” the talent and ingenuity has begun. Pulling from the towering vocals of Muse’s Matt Bellamy and Jared Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars, Johnson’s thoroughly in tune and vivid timbre carries the EP from beginning to end.
Guitarist Andy Fox plays in a style reminiscent of U2’s The Edge crafting simple riffs and solos, relying more on the color and texture through effects rather than the technical, showboat playing. This is most evident on the final track “You Will Never Know.” In fact, the entire song sounds very close to U2’s “With or Without You” by way of the chord progression: I-V-vi-IV. Only, instead of moving from the submediant (the sixth note of the scale) to the subdominant (the fourth note of the scale), Bravefellow changes the progression to I-V-vi-vii, moving from the submediant to the leading tone; a very clever and interesting twist on the overly used I-V-vi-IV chord progression. Yet, even with this change, The Edge is still clearly heard in this track.
Bassist Shaun Alexander and drummer Michael Krueger do not get over the top with the foundation they lay down and keep things straightforward, allowing the spotlight to focus on Fox’s guitar, and Johnson’s soaring vocals.
“You Will Never Know” is no doubt the fan and live favorite of Bravefellow and is an admirable closing to Spoils of War. This EP is just a teaser of what is to come and promises good things for the future.
Spoils of War is available on iTunes.
4 out of 5 stars.
