New York City trio Dive Brake brings us “Bravo”, a genre-bending progressive rock album released in 2024. Formed from the ashes of Gone Quite Mad, Dive Brake has defined themselves with their high-level musicianship and unpredictable energy.
Made up of Nick Pascarella, Steve Remp, and Dexter Larsen, Dive Break is rooted in the NYC music scene. Bravo builds on the groundwork of their previous projects and feels like the band’s boldest work yet.
While the album only clocks in at seven tracks, it covers serious ground. The band shifts effortlessly between melodic rock, funk grooves, reggae rhythms, and experimental chaos. The vocals glide cleanly over the band’s intricate instrumentation, never getting lost in the mix. The production is sharp, letting each member’s talents shine without over polishing the rawness that gives the record its edge.
Among the standout moments is “Space Rover,” a clear highlight. The bass and drums groove hard, and there’s even a hint of reggae halfway through. The vocals are smooth and confident, blending perfectly with the instruments. Then the track ends with a sudden, dramatic boom, perfectly capturing the band’s energy. Then “All Hands” pulls in the opposite direction with softer rock and a beautiful technical guitar solo, showing the band’s emotional depth.
Their final and longer song “Attack of the 31th Century Killer Robot Wasps” brings another twist to the album. The title alone tells you you’re not in for a traditional listen. Equal parts chaotic and captivating, this track leans into the band’s playful, experimental side and definitely adds a memorable final note to the album.
Bravo is full of personality. It’s the kind of album that demands your attention, not just because it’s loud or unpredictable, but because it’s crafted with precision and passion. Dive Brake might not fit cleanly into any single genre, but with Bravo, they’ve made it clear that they don’t want to. If you’re interested in a new rock band, with a strong focus on musicality and technical performance, definitely check out Dive Brake. For more album reviews of all different genres click here.
Here’s a taste of Dive Brake below!
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