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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
The Bravery
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 24 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 93 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Island
Release Date: 29 March 2005
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Indie, Rock
Summary
Another hot, retro-sounding band based in New York? Is there some sort of factory churning these bands out? (Or in the case of The Bravery, a Factory?) The band's self-titled debut, preceded by the requisite buzz, utilizes a new wave-flavored sound which is also reminiscent of, oh, let's just say New Order and The Cure.
Also By This Artist: The Sun And The Moon
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Uncut
This album really is just too good to be true. [Apr 2005, p.114]
E! Online
While their sound is decidedly of the moment (Bloc Party, the Killers, et al), their songs are undeniably catchy as all get-out.
Read Full Review >The Guardian
They don't sound too new, but their shuddering pop melodies and knack for smiling through gritted teeth might just make the Bravery the nation's favourite new band.
Read Full Review >Delusions of Adequacy
The Bravery treads the same well worn path as bands like The Smiths and The Cure but manages to avoid tripping on its roots by adding a unique personality.
Read Full Review >Q Magazine
If The Killers hadn't got there first with Hot Fuss, The Bravery's debut would have been revolutionary. Instead it is merely a brilliant pop record. [Apr 2005, p.115]
Mojo
This is a swaggering, unashamedly fun pop record. [May 2005, p.94]
All Music Guide
The Bravery isn't sonically mind-blowing, but the new millennium new wave revival remains intriguing.
Read Full Review >Trouser Press
By the end of this brief guilty pleasure, the verdict rings clear: The Killers may have made better singles, but The Bravery made the better album.
Read Full Review >Urb
They definitely know their way around the early Duran catalog, not forgetting the requisite stops at New Order and the Psychedelic Furs. [Apr 2005, p.101]
New Musical Express
It's bold, brash, trashy fun that will tempt Killers fans to fall in lust all over again. [19 Mar 2005, p.57]
PopMatters
While the Bravery are certainly not in league with the Strokes, Interpol, or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, this record is a strong one with some unexpected surprises.
Read Full Review >Blender
This is dramatic, radio-loving rock primed to outlive the current I Love The '80s infatuation. [Apr 2005, p.113]
Entertainment Weekly
There are countless other bands using electro blips to make us boogie and bang harder. [8 Apr 2005, p.65]
Rolling Stone
The Bravery do a jockier version of the New Wave competition, pumping the drums in straight-ahead tunes such as "An Honest Mistake" and "The Ring Song."
Read Full Review >Dot Music
If you’ve heard one song by The Bravery you’ve pretty much heard them all. The keyboard settings may change, as do the guitar FX pedals, but there’s a formula at work here and how much you get out of this record depends entirely on how interesting you find that formula.
Read Full Review >Pitchfork
Rock made on an assembly line-- predictable, economically efficient, and about as dynamic as a Model T.
Read Full Review >Los Angeles Times
Once you get past the surface attractions, Sam Endicott's arch singing and rock-rebel posturing are forced, and his production is as stiff as the mechanical discoid rhythms. [24 Apr 2005]
Alternative Press
Where, say, Franz Ferdinand can fill dance floors with a jagged, arty sense of danger, the Bravery are more vanilla in their approach (read: They're Duran Duran). [May 2005, p.132]
Under The Radar
We're reaching critical mass for new wave nostalgia, but we might have made room for your debut if there was something we could dance to. [#10, p.109]
cokemachineglow
It’s music so frothy and unsubstantial that you could practically meditate to it: listen to it often enough, and it just kind of floats away, even if you’re blasting it at full volume.
Read Full Review >Village Voice
Endicott, who jumps skin from Julian Casablancas to Robert Smith to the guy from the Killers in just three tracks, has less charisma than a mustard plug.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 7.1 (out of 10) based on 93 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
They Rule gave it an8:
Whoever thinks they sound like The Killers is seriously retarded. The Killers are boring posers who think they are original. This is pure fun. Robert Smith should call Brandon Flowers, that cocky twat.
K Andino gave it an8:
Great retro sound!
amelia e gave it an8:
fun, summery dancey album with energy
hgm mhm gave it a10:
theyre the best band ever!!!!1
filipe d gave it a10:
no comments!! too good for coments
Enely E gave it a10:
I really love that album.
IvanJ gave it a9:
I don't see what's with all this Killers-wannabe shit. The Bravery have a different sound plus their album doesn't get too slow as does The Killers' one. I think this album is great and I'm anxiously waiting for the next release. This could me my next favourite band. Hope they won't spoil it all!!
