If there was ever a band to capture the essence of powerful dynamics,
emotional sincerity and perfectly crafted songwriting, then Brigade are that
band. Residing in London but with roots in Suffolk, Japan and Bristol, they are
a shining example of a band that fall outside the remit of genre classification.
Here’s a band that write enormous songs; songs that wrap themselves around
you like a grappling, hugging bear and won’t let go!
When it came to the creation of second album ‘Come Morning We Fight’,
Brigade’s only option was to aim their sights high – in every sense of the word.
‘Come Morning We Fight’ sounds huge. It’s an album that towers over the
majority of today’s rock bands and will ensure Brigade catapult into the major
playing field. Every ounce a contender for the rock album of 2008, it's a
maniacal masterpiece of sure-fire rock hits. ‘What Are You Waiting For’
is a bold opening statement of intent: punchy, dynamic and raunchy. First single
‘Pilot’ is an infectious and atmospheric heart-wrenching ditty, while ‘Slow
Dives & Alibis’ illustrates the band’s power, musical complexities and
frantic hard-hitting drive. Ensuring maximum diversity, ‘Sink Sink Swim’
is a sombre and yet uplifting, unashamed pop song.
Recorded at Monnow Valley Studio (where luminaries such as Led Zeppelin,
Biffy Clyro, and Manic Street Preachers amongst many have recorded), Brigade
enlisted the skills of Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Feeder, Oceansize) to record
and produce this magnificent opus. The icing on the cake saw the record being
mastered in New York at Sterling Sound by Steve Fallone (The Strokes, TV On The
Radio, Kim Gordon).
But strip this scenario down, take away the name-dropping, and you’re still
left with an incredible and extraordinary primary ingredient – a truly
inspirational band.
While 2006’s ‘Lights’ was a debut from a band who were tentatively
finding their own feet and direction, ‘Come Morning We Fight’ is
testament to a group who have assertively honed their sound, challenged
themselves as musicians, dared to experiment outside the norm, and taken immense
strides forward in their outlook. For the first time in their career Brigade
united as songwriters, ensuring that every song was created as a team effort and
all voices were heard.
Says frontman Will Simpson: “We have aimed to write songs that will stand
the test of time and sit up there with the best of what British rock music has
to offer. This album has been a massive challenge, we’ve pushed ourselves to the
limits in every way. We’ve worked with one of the world’s best producers with a
track record that we all, as a band, aspire to sit alongside. We truly believe
we have accomplished what we set out to do.”
Lyrically, Simpson has expanded his horizons to explore uncharted
territories, giving ‘Come Morning…’ a broader universal edge. “I've
tried to step out of my own experiences for the first time and try to comment on
other people's lives and branched into darker areas. I fail to comprehend
certain things you see on the news or hear about every day and also you are
affected by the happenings in the lives of those closest to you,” he
explains, before joking: “Oh, and there's a song about zombies too!”
The band have also welcomed the addition of new drummer Andrew Kearton, who
replaced original sticksman Nathaniel Finbow. By Simpson’s own admission the
change has transformed Brigade from a bunch of musicians into a “complete unit”.
“I can't believe how seamlessly Andrew has fitted in and it feels like we've
known him for years. He's such a nice guy and a fantastic drummer, and has
nailed everything on the record so we are buzzing. Before, it was hard to feel
that we all shared exactly the same goals.”
Since Brigade’s formation in 2003, the four-piece have turned heads at every
opportunity – right from when Will Simpson moved from Bristol to London with the
sole intention of forming a band with like-minded individuals.
An advert in Loot resulted in the first incarnation of Brigade, who played
their first gig at the Bull & Gate in London’s Kentish Town in September '03. A
few reshuffles later and Brigade soon impressed Mighty Atom Records (Funeral For
A Friend’s first home) to ink an EP and album deal with the band. High profile
tours and shows with the likes of Biffy Clyro, Aiden, Hell Is For Heroes, Fightstar, Minus The
Bear, and Aereogramme have ensured Brigade have earned their stripes on the
road, building up an ever increasing loyal army of fans as they march forward.
The arrival of ‘Come Morning We Fight’ will only see this continue.
“We haven't been afraid this time to try things we wouldn't normally think
we could pull off, and we’ve surprised ourselves that the results sound so
natural. This is the real beginning of what Brigade can really give to people,”
smiles Simpson. In battle there is no law, in the music industry only the strong
survive. Bands and trends come and go, but only bands of a truly special calibre
will leave their mark in musical history. With ‘Come Morning We Fight’
Brigade are set to do just that.
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