Whenever I’ve heard Brigade in the past I’ve thought they’ve been a bit dull; very much a Biffy Clyro wannabe that isn’t heavy or melodic enough to fit either side of them. As a result, I didn’t really have any expectations for this record at all. I expected it to be a bit generic and dull. In the main it is, although there are a few very good songs here which save it from being mediocre. Opening tracks ‘Pilot’ and ‘What Are You Waiting For?’ are impressive with exciting riffs that bounce around all over the shop, while ‘Res Head’ and ‘Shortcuts’ are two other very impressive tracks. But all too often the songs sound directionless and either feature sub-par riffs and weak melodies or weak riffs with a decent stab at a vocal harmony. That said, Brigade seem to have grabbed themselves a rabid fanbase and I expect a leg up (with a support slot) from Will Simpson’s more famous brother will help Brigade out a lot.
‘Come Tomorrow We Fight’ is better than I thought it would be, but it’s far from great.