Once upon a time, bands would regularly release singles with noteworthy B-Sides. And then the music marketplace changed and B-Sides lost their importance. Lonely The Brave look to rectify this with ‘Diamond Days’. Admittedly, this four-song set could easily be seen as just a single release with three unreleased songs thrown in to please diehard fans.
While this statement is partially true, you know when it’s a band as good as Lonely The Brave, it is likely to deliver from start to finish. The EP is bookended by its highlights. The title track, ‘Diamond Days’, was a subtle standout on last year’s ‘Things Will Matter’ LP. Its breezy percussion and light, intertwining guitars allow David Jakes’ earnest vocals to take centre stage. All the while, its subtle, stirring tone leaves you feeling truly satisfied.
The EP concludes with a cover of ‘The Rat’. Originally by New York indie rockers The Walkmen, Lonely The Brave once again adapt and make the track their own. Like their take on Springsteen’s ‘Streets Of Philadelphia’ and Pink Floyd’s ‘Comfortably Numb’ previously, the Cambridge group play to their strengths as atmospheric guitars slowly build, allowing you to hone in on Jakes’ words, eventually rewarding you as the guitars spiral towards its conclusion, with a nod to the original.
Sandwiched in between are two original cuts; ‘Two Heads’ and ‘Collider’. The former is the weaker of the two. While it has all the favourable characteristics of a typical LTB track, it doesn’t make much of an impression and you can’t help but feel it’s an unwanted album cut. ‘Collider’ is a stronger affair with punchy drums, soaring vocals, and sustained guitars creating a cocktail a rousing arena-made slice of rock.
As they prepare to tour alongside hometown pals Mallory Knox, ‘Diamond Days’ is a brief entry point to newcomers. For longtime fans, it’s a reminder of LTB’s ability to evolve and expand beyond the soaring melodic rock many know them for.
3/5
‘Diamond Days’ EP by Lonely The Brave is released on 17th March on Hassle Records.
Lonely The Brave links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Words by Sêan Reid (@SeanReid86)
