By: Mark
Tremblay
Album Type: Full Length
Date
Released:
15/09/2017
Label: Southern Lord Records
This three song magnum opus is a sonic
journey through the unexpected nuances in heavy music. “Ardour” is Big|Brave fully realized and fully formed. In a genre full of
chaotic noise, the refreshing wave of heaviness provided by Big|Brave rises to the top.
“Ardor” CD//DD//LP track listing:
1).
Sound
2).
Lull
3).
Borer
The Review:
Big|Brave
are the
hardest band to categorize and define in heavy music. Their latest offering, “Ardor”, is equal parts calming and
cathartic. This three song magnum opus is a sonic journey through the
unexpected nuances in heavy music. “Ardor”
opens with the serene crusher “Sound”.
Ironically, it is the silent pauses within the song that give the piece its
weight and impact. Big|Brave have
this ability to make every note count and matter, something that many bands
could take note of.
“Lull” is the perfect bridge between the
albums opener and closer. Robin Wattie vocals are extremely raw and powerful.
The tonal qualities of her voice feel Like Big|Brave at
their most honest and vulnerable. The album ends with an absolute sludge banger
“Borer”, the heaviest track in the Big|Brave canon. By the songs end, the listener is
being drowned in these extremely heavy chords that have this calming effect.
“Ardor” is Big|Brave
fully realized and fully formed. In a genre full of chaotic noise, the refreshing
wave of heaviness provided by Big|Brave rises
to the top.
“Ardor” is available here
