Review by Halina Wegner Jace Media Music
Fresh from their well-deserved triumph as “Blues Band of the Year” at the 2025 UK Blues Awards, Brave Rival are back and burning brighter than ever. Their new EP, 5 to 4, doesn’t just mark the next chapter in the band’s story — it’s the sound of a band reborn. Recorded at Global Fire Creative Studios in Fareham with producer Tarrant Shepherd, the five-track release captures Brave Rival’s raw spirit, fearless energy, and renewed sense of identity as a four-piece.
A New Chapter, Same Fire
The departure of vocalist Chloe Josephine could have been a devastating blow for many bands, but for Brave Rival, it ignited a creative fire. With Lindsey Bonnick taking full command of lead vocals, Ed ‘the Shred’ Clarke on guitars, Billy ‘Danger’ Dedman on bass, and Donna Peters on drums, the newly streamlined lineup found not limitation, but liberation.
“When Chloe left, it was, of course, devastating,” recalls Bonnick. “But it became clear we had more to give.” That conviction pulses through every riff, groove, and lyric of 5 to 4 — a title that wittily nods to the band’s shift from five members to four, while also capturing their rhythmic precision and blues-driven pulse.
Reborn in Sound and Spirit
From the opening note, it’s evident that Brave Rival are pushing forward with intent. “Let Me Rock n Roll” kicks things off with swagger and purpose — a fiery statement of independence and resilience. Bonnick’s voice, equal parts soulful and commanding, carries the track with unshakeable confidence, while Peters’ drumming drives it with a tight, unrelenting groove.
If Let Me Rock n Roll sets the tone, it’s the closer, “Wild Child”, that truly bookends the record with explosive force. Clarke’s guitar roars with the kind of authority that earned him his “Shred” nickname, while Dedman’s bass injects irresistible movement into the mix. The song is a classic rock monster, full of big riffs, syncopated drum patterns, and an infectiously playful chorus that’s bound to become a live staple.
“Wild Child started as this groovy riff over a shuffle feel,” Dedman explains. “Lindsey came back with this great chorus hook, and after some experimenting, it just became this monster of a song!” Peters adds, “It’s such a fun track to play live — especially that syncopated vocal part in the final chorus that ties back to the intro’s floor tom rhythm.” It’s that kind of musical chemistry — the spontaneous spark between four musicians — that defines 5 to 4.
Raw, Honest, and Unapologetically Brave
What makes this EP so captivating is its unfiltered honesty. There are no guest musicians, no filler, no over-polished studio tricks — just four artists laying their hearts and souls bare. “It’s the first record we’ve made without any additional musicians,” says Clarke. “It’s just us. Raw and powerful.”
That stripped-back authenticity gives the EP a refreshing punch. The production feels alive, capturing the vibrant interplay between players — from Peters’ expressive fills to Dedman’s blues-infused bass lines, all anchored by Clarke’s searing guitar tone. Above it all, Bonnick shines, her voice effortlessly shifting from smoky vulnerability to powerhouse intensity.
Fuelled by Passion and Determination
Vocalist Bonnick sums up the band’s mindset perfectly: “5 to 4 is the result of a burning fire that was lit beneath us to get new music out that represents us as a four-piece. It’s fast and furious, delicate and deep. We’re proud of it — and we hope you love it as much as we do.”
And there’s plenty to love. Each track radiates self-belief, emotional depth, and dynamic range — qualities that have long set Brave Rival apart in the modern blues-rock landscape. While their earlier work drew comparisons to Fleetwood Mac and Tedeschi Trucks Band, 5 to 4 finds them carving out their own lane — one where grit meets grace and where vulnerability fuels strength.
Capturing the Journey
The sessions at Global Fire Creative have also been filmed, giving fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of this pivotal release. Watching the band craft new material in real-time only reinforces what this EP embodies — unity, creativity, and the joy of rediscovering who they are.
Drummer Peters captures it best: “Things have moved quickly, but with that pace came fresh ideas and an abundance of creativity. It really feels like we’re blossoming into this harder-edged but still beautiful version of Brave Rival.”
5 to 4 isn’t just another release; it’s a declaration of intent — proof that Brave Rival aren’t just surviving change, they’re thriving through it. The EP channels their collective resilience into something powerful and purposeful, blending blues, soul, rock grit and heartfelt storytelling.
Brave Rival have always been a band of immense talent, but 5 to 4 captures something even rarer: a group of artists completely in sync, unafraid to evolve, and absolutely determined to make their mark.
With their award-winning momentum, renewed energy, and a record that pulses with authenticity,
Brave Rival’s next chapter looks brighter — and bolder — than ever.
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