The Sun and the Moon

by

The Bravery

Edit

I disagree with other reviewers here--"The Sun And The Moon" is very much a continuation of The Bravery's first album. Sure, it has less synth, but it still retains that new wave/punk vibe of the late 1970's/early 1980's. Check out the Clash-like "London Calling" riff on "This Is Not The End".

That said, "The Sun And The Moon" is about the same as their last album. It has 7 good songs and some filler. In this case, "Believe", "This Is Not The End", "Every Word Is A Knife In My Ear", "Bad Sun", "Time Won't Let Me Go" and "Tragedy Bound" are the solid tracks whilst the five tracks that end the album are repetitious. I don't mind though, because I'd buy a third album from this band because they continue to show potential. I don't think they've figured out how to make every song count yet, but lyrically, "The Sun And The Moon" is more interesting than their debut. Take the lyrics on "Believe", "Time Won't Let Me Go" and "Tragedy Bound". I like the doom and gloom, the mild nihilism, the gray outlook--that's what made earlier punk and new wave stand apart from the sappy top 40.

I'd also recommend The Killers, Keane, Interpol, The Postal Service, Imogen Heap, Regina Spektor for other newer, similar sounding artists. If you want a history lesson, The Clash, Duran Duran, The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Cars, Blondie, U2, Simple Minds, Thompson Twins, Eurythmics, Howard Jones, Thomas Dolby, OMD, Kraftwerk, The Psychedelic Furs, Roxy Music should broaden your mind (and ears).

The Bravery's first CD was incredible. The Bravery Unfortunately that means that subsequent releases will always be compared to the original album.

This CD while delivering some great tracks, for lack of a better word is not as "catchy." While there is not a total absence of "catchyness" (lol, not even a real word) there could be more of it. That's the limit of my disappointment. There are some great tracks as well as the expected strong lyrical backing. The album has a definite deeper feel than the previous release as well as some real upbeat tracks. It has lasting sound to it and you wont get tired of it too quickly.

I give it 3 Stars. Give it a listen, form your own opinion.