Album In Review: Because of the Brave
Band Name – Flaw
Based In – Louisville, KY
Project Name – Vol IV: Because of the Brave
# of Songs – 10 (not enough)
Members –
Chris Volz – Vocals
Tommy Gibbons – Guitar/Bass
Rob Buttorff – Guitar
Georges Octobous – Drums
Label – Pavement Entertainment
Release Date – July 19th, 2019
Genre – Rock
Available On – Spotify, Deezer, Play Music, iHeartRadio
Essentially Flawless
I won’t deny it: I took a ride on the Struggle Bus trying to write out this bad boy and let me tell you … the Cassi on the bus went ‘wah wah wah’ for quite a few weeks. However, you know how when you write a Yelp review when you’re angry and the words just flow out? But when you write a good review all you can muster is a robotic, “It was good.” Ahhh the dumpster fire that is human nature, amiright? But I digress. My point being … this album absolutely killed it in the best way and I’m honestly scared that it’ll make for an extremely boring CD review! But here we go anyway:
Into the Pit Overall Ranking: 4.2/5.0:
In self-detrimental irony, Flaw’s music is anything but. Unfortunately, all anybody can seem to focus on is how many times the band has switched members. Yes, we get it … Flaw has changed band members more than they change their own underwear. Who gives a fuck? The point is, they’re obviously still passionate about making music and that’s what matters. So, all you haters out there, get over it. Moving on ….
Writing 4.5/5.0:
It’s pretty obvious from the title that the majority of the album is dedicated to the troops and those who have fought for our country. I will admit that some albums who have done this in the past, while having the best intentions, have come across as somewhat cheesy. I’m happy to say that I enjoyed the route Flaw took while addressing …
The first song, Persistence, has a sick intro that immediately hooks you into an eargasm. I’d describe Volz’ vocal style as a mix of Aaron Nordstrom from Gemini Syndrome and Chino Moreno, in this particular song anyway. Thankfully, the rest of the track doesn’t fizzle out in the slightest, which tends to happen a lot with the first song of a CD. Conquer the Climb has some pretty epic screams paired with beautiful harmonies and backing vocals. If there’s one thing I love in rock music, it’s a hard -as -nails sound with a dash of frilly … hashtag basic rock bitch.
Speaking of basic bitch … who doesn’t like a little skilled fingering?! On the guitar, that is. Perv. Walk the Line gives just that … a solid string fingering. It’s a skill that I believe only few can achieve, like Eddie Van Halen, obvi. However, I’m going to take this moment to shout out to my boy, Andy Ingraham from Bravo Delta and Nocturnal Affair because he is literally one of the best at the technique. Look him up and fight me on this, if you dare. That being said – I do like how the guitar solos are highlighted in most of the tracks and I appreciate the efforts put in. I’m not saying this song comes close to Van Halen levels but it’s definitely enjoyable on a slightly different scale.
Production/Mixing/Mastering: 3.8/5.0
My only real complaint is that sometimes … SOMETIMES … the vocals come out a bit muddy. Otherwise, each instrument comes out pretty crisp without sounding piece-y. SEE! There are situations where it takes a band some adjustments to get the right mesh of sounds.
Final Thoughts:
I am honestly relieved that I enjoyed this album. It is one of the few albums I’ve reviewed that I’ll actually listen to outside of having to write about it. I consider that a win in my book! While it’s easier to write mean things and a tad bit more fun, I’m kinda stoked on being nice in a review for once. Bitchin’.
