Review: Great debut EP is not just an illusion
The Brays - Illusion Sounds EP
MELODIC guitar pop has seen a recent resurgence thanks to artists such as Coldplay, David Gray and Travis.
This in turn has inspired a whole new generation of fans to turn away from the wibbly miserablism of bands such as Radiohead and Muse and concentrate instead on the basic tenet of good pop music.
Writing a good tune.
Local band The Brays' (pictured left) debut EP Illusion Sounds is full to the brim of these. All three of the tracks on this 13-minute EP are based on an instantly catchy guitar sound and the keening powerful voice of lead singer Gavin Hyde.
Title track Illusions Sound starts off quietly with a simple acoustic guitar strum, before building up to a crescendo chorus carried by a chiming guitar and anthemic harmonies on the vocals.
Second track Never The Better showcases the more upbeat side of the band with a faster keyboard and drum opening, and a vibe reminscent of the late lamented Crowded House.
There are a few memorable lyrical hooks on the story of the nightmare lover, including the quip "she's so far down she'll be waiting for me on the other side".
The song (and the EP) only loses its footing slightly with the awkward tempo change in the middle eight which sounds a bit like it was lifted from another song.
But even here there is some cracking piano work from Mark Daniels.
Final song Burn again starts off quietly with Gavin singing over a basic picked guitar before building into another powerful chorus including the brilliant lyrical conceit "Where's the good in goodbye".
All in all it's the perfect end to an excellent debut.
5/5
The Brays - Illusion Sounds EP
MELODIC guitar pop has seen a recent resurgence thanks to artists such as Coldplay, David Gray and Travis.
This in turn has inspired a whole new generation of fans to turn away from the wibbly miserablism of bands such as Radiohead and Muse and concentrate instead on the basic tenet of good pop music.
Writing a good tune.
Local band The Brays' (pictured left) debut EP Illusion Sounds is full to the brim of these. All three of the tracks on this 13-minute EP are based on an instantly catchy guitar sound and the keening powerful voice of lead singer Gavin Hyde.
Title track Illusions Sound starts off quietly with a simple acoustic guitar strum, before building up to a crescendo chorus carried by a chiming guitar and anthemic harmonies on the vocals.
Second track Never The Better showcases the more upbeat side of the band with a faster keyboard and drum opening, and a vibe reminscent of the late lamented Crowded House.
There are a few memorable lyrical hooks on the story of the nightmare lover, including the quip "she's so far down she'll be waiting for me on the other side".
The song (and the EP) only loses its footing slightly with the awkward tempo change in the middle eight which sounds a bit like it was lifted from another song.
But even here there is some cracking piano work from Mark Daniels.
Final song Burn again starts off quietly with Gavin singing over a basic picked guitar before building into another powerful chorus including the brilliant lyrical conceit "Where's the good in goodbye".
All in all it's the perfect end to an excellent debut.
5/5
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