Frequently, bands get back together with dodgy motivations or to underwhelming results. Sometimes, though, they come back stronger, more compelling and completely reinvigorated.
Following on from their 2011 break-up, UK quintet Brigade definitely fall into this latter category.
2019 EP 'This Is Not For You' is the most acerbic, riff-ridden work of their career – boasting a darker edge than previous material and a nuanced stylistic shift while retaining everything that made them great in the first place.
To recap, Brigade were among the many British bands that broke out in the noughties but never quite hit the heights their quality deserved in a weird, transitional era (Kerrang's 'Most Unerrated Band"). Their soaring, melodic rock songs nonetheless left an indelible impression on their fans and garnered rave reviews and award nominations from the likes of Rock Sound, Kerrang! and the NME.
Across three albums – 2006’s ‘Lights’, 2008’s ‘Come Morning We Fight’ and 2011’s ‘Will Be Will Be’ – they built up a back catalogue to cherish, while touring with the likes of Biffy Clyro, and signing to Roadrunner Records in Japan.
Like all good things, it was a run that came to an end seven years ago – but in the background over the intervening time, the core of the band never stopped exercising their songwriting and recording talents.
2019 saw a run of headline shows in London, Manchester & Birmingham, as well as support slots at Wembley, Manchester Arena, the NEC, and Glasgow's SSE Arena.
With releases planned for 2020, as well as more live shows, Brigade are, again, a band to watch...
Brigade are:
Will Simpson – guitar, vocals; James Plant – guitar, vocals; Mark Fisher – guitar; Alex Baker – bass; Fim – drums
Contact: tim@knowledgemusic.co.uk