Brave Chandeliers
11 Escapes
Portland, OR

(4BC Records)

“Youthful, buoyant piano-driven power pop – think Ben Folds meets Maroon 5″

It’s been two years since the Portland, OR quartet the Brave Chandeliers released their showy hook-riddled 2010 debut EP, Put Away the Camera. Carrying the listenability banner further, the band maintains its radio friendly melodic pop while expanding its character with new subjects and high-production recording. Sure, there are love songs (“Love Is (What You Only Get From Me)”) and slow-burners (“Say That It’s Alright”), but the band comes of age with the passage of time (“Life in Motion”). Singer/pianist Nick Drum, who sounds suspiciously like Adam Levine, is accompanied by backing instrumentation ala Ben Folds – think bouncy, chunky piano chords in lieu of complex melodies.

The band delivers competent songwriting despite a few sophomoric snags. The lyrics could use some maturing and no song rises to truly remarkable. However, for a debut LP, these are minor criticisms. This early in the career it’s better to establish a characteristic sound and polish band unity before strutting into new, avant-garde territory. Nevertheless, once they’ve got more time under the belt, it’s clear the Brave Chandeliers have potential to be Ben Folds for a new generation.

Engineered, Mixed and Produced by Jeremy Sherrer

Recorded at KBC Records in Portland, OR

Mastered at Masters of Audio by Henrik Jonsson

www.bravechandeliers.com