Bravado - Set to rock your pants off!
No the title is not me being clever. It's Dylan from Bravado, who promises to rock people's pants off at the next live gig.
Personally, it gave me a lovely mental picture. If I make it to a Bravado gig in Hobart I will ensure I am wearing my most loveliest pair. I would love a band to rock my pants off (and no... that is not an open invitation...)
So who are Bravado? If they are set to rock your pants off perhaps we need some background information on these lovely boys from Melbourne before they brazenly strip you with their music.
Their Myspace reads: “Established during a heat wave in Melbourne, Australia 2005. Bravado are here to awaken you from your musical numbness and to the roaring clarity that is unbridled and uninhibited Rock n’ Roll. From heavy and driving come-ons to intimate and atmospheric ventures in to blues and country, the songs are performed by the band in a manner all of their own. Both live and in the studio, bravado are an explosive act that are sure to please any lover of good music.”
What is Dylan's take on the current line up of Bravado?
“Well, in the past there have been some members that didn’t quite click in the band situation and differences of opinion tended to get in the way. I’m sure I can be a real prick to work with but I’m getting better,” Dylan says.
“Currently I think we’ve got the best line-up I’ve ever played with. All the guys get along with each other really well both as friends and as musicians which I think results in the music having a really organic feel to it,” he says.
“As much as I like to think I can control the sound of the band, I think without the individual members strengths and weaknesses, we couldn’t re-create what we’ve got going now.”
Bravado have just released their new EP, Love Songs. The EP consists of 6 tracks recorded straight to 2" tape with the help of Engineer / Producer Tim Johnston who has worked with Nick Cave & the Badseeds, Beasts of Bourbon and Radio Birdman.
“We had an awesome time recording the EP, Tim was really good to work with and knew how to push us for better performances. We tracked everything live, together in the same room which I think adds to the energy, and we got to play around with sounds and equipment so we’re really happy with how the recording came out sonically,” he says.
I question Dylan about the context of love in relation to the music.
“As far as the “Love” theme of the EP is concerned, I guess they’re personal experiences, there was no intention of giving the EP a theme at all, but after choosing the songs I thought it would be a fitting title,” he says.
“None of the songs are an actual love song per se, no classic “I love you, you love me” songs. They deal with the other aspects of a relationship, the lustful, the painful and the gritty sides.”
The EP was launched, on the 31st of March at the Rob Roy and how did it go for those of us not able to make it?
“It went really well! We had a great crowd, the Rob Roy was packed which was really good to see and it seemed like everyone had a really good time too,” he says.
“The support bands (Fire Underground and The Legs) were awesome to watch and when we finally got to take the stage we just let loose and the crowd were very supportive which is always appreciated,” he says.
“We had friend Claire Montague perform on a track which was really nice and at one point just as I was playing the intro to a song someone threw an empty beer jug into the air which bounced off the roof and hit my tuning-pedal which turned off my guitar… I thought that was pretty funny...”
Dylan and I speak for a moment on the meanings behind the music – based on a quote I had found. I ask him “are you trying to say your music is erotic and sensual or have I misread this?”
“No, you’ve pretty much hit the nail on the head. I don’t know if the word ‘erotic’ is the right one, but I like sexy music and there’s definitely plenty of lust and certain aspects in a lot of our songs that could be considered a little risqué,” he says.
“The fact that the subject matter in songs like 'Love Stain' and 'Rumble' isn’t exactly subtle probably sums it up. In songs like 'Strange Cold Love' I think it gets pretty intimate and maybe even “sensual”. Claire duets with me on that track on the EP too and let’s face it… she’s hot.”
What's next for the band?
“Play a lot of shows and rock people’s pants off,” he says.
“May is going to be pretty busy here in Melbourne as we’re playing a residency at the Vineyard in St. Kilda (Thursdays) and we’re planning a killer show at the Public Bar in Nth Melbourne on May 18th with our friends from Sydney Army Ant with whom we’re heading to Sydney in July.”
So is the next musical masterpiece in the works for the boys from Bravado?
“As far as the next record goes, we’re constantly writing new material, some of which is being played in our current set now. However there are no definite plans for the next recording so we’ll have to see how things pan out. Go with the flow I guess.”
And when will Bravado grace Tasmania with its presence? I casually inquire.
“Well hopefully sometime this year! I really like Tassie and it could be a good excuse to get down to the Huon Valley for some R&R. After we rock-the-fuck-out in some of Tasmania’s finest rock n’ roll venues of course…”
And politely I think Dylan from Bravado for his time and being the true gentleman he is, says:
“No, Thank You. Sincerely, Dylan of Bravado”
