Brave Rival '5 to 4' album review: The Portsmouth band's new EP is a mission statement of their evolution

Portsmouth band, Brave Rival have been making an impact on the live scene with their energetic rock shows and powerful dual female vocals for the last few years. When co-vocalist Chloe Josephine announced she was stepping away from the band, the distinctive harmonies that were a trademark of the band were no more.

In the words of Tolkien, "Go back? No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!" And on we go was exactly what the band has done. As the title of their latest EP would suggest, '5 to 4' honours their reluctant evolution as a band: a reset, not a retreat. It’s loud, alive, and laced with intent.

Opening track 'Let Me Rock ’n Roll' wastes no time in throwing open the door on a new chapter. Ed Clarke’s is known for his shredding, but his guitar work has both fire and finesse. Beneath it all, Billy Dedman’s bass and Donna Peters’ drums lock in with a tight, dynamic groove that gives the band its irresistible drive. From the opening bars it's clear that this is a band that are energised and mean business.

Bonnick's vocals are imbued with a phenomenal, almost superhuman power that has grown wings and flown on this EP. Perhaps she's pushing the power on tracks like the excellent 'Poison' to make up the sound, or maybe she's letting rip because she knows all eyes are on her. Either way, her vocals are outstanding. It's not all about full rock belt, though; the EP also has some re-arranged softer acoustic versions, which more than demonstrate Bonnick's versatility and subtlety.

The EP is raw, unfiltered blues rock at its best. '5 to 4' is a loud reminder that evolution, when done right, can sound like revolution.