Brave Rival – 5 to 4

Review by Glen Parkes, Jace Media Music

Portsmouth rock and blues powerhouse Brave Rival return with a vengeance on their brand-new EP, 5 to 4, released October 17th. It marks their first outing as a four-piece, and what a statement it is—five electrifying tracks (plus three bonus acoustic cuts) that showcase the full range of their talent, chemistry, and sheer love of music.

From the very first seconds of “Let Me Rock n Roll”, the band plant their flag firmly in the soil of classic rock territory. It’s a bold, riff-heavy opener packed with swagger and attitude — the perfect rallying cry for a band entering a new era. Produced by Tarrant Shepherd and recorded at Mayfair Studio in Churt and Global Fire Studios in Fareham, the record captures the essence of a group both comfortable in their skin and eager to explore new sonic territory. The sessions, filmed and released as a series of high-quality music videos, bring the songs vividly to life, enhanced further by Dolby Atmos mixing that gives the whole EP an immersive, three-dimensional feel.

“Poison” turns up the heat with a gritty blues-rock groove, while “Try Again” stretches out into epic territory—a near-eight-minute emotional journey that highlights the band’s dynamic range and storytelling prowess. “Control” slows the pace without losing intensity, balancing soulful vocals and emotive guitar work before the EP explodes into its closer, “Wild Child”. The single is a bona fide anthem: big riffs, thunderous drumming, and a chorus tailor-made for live singalongs. It’s playful, confident, and irresistibly catchy — the sound of a band truly firing on all cylinders.

Vocalist Lindsey Bonnick describes 5 to 4 as “fuelled by passion and an unwavering love of rock and blues,” and that authenticity shines through every track. The interplay between Bonnick’s powerhouse vocals, Donna Peters’ dynamic drumming, and the band’s tight instrumental cohesion gives this record both heart and grit. Peters calls it “Brave Rival at our core… the start of a new chapter,” and you can feel that energy pulsing throughout.

The inclusion of acoustic versions of “Poison”, “Control”, and “Wild Child” adds another layer of charm. Stripped back, the songs reveal their emotional depth and melodic strength — proof that beneath the riffs and rhythm lies a band grounded in pure songwriting craft.

With 5 to 4, Brave Rival prove they’re not just surviving as a four-piece — they’re thriving. It’s a collection that captures everything great about British blues-rock: soul, fire, and fearless self-expression. Whether you’re drawn in by the raw power of “Wild Child” or the emotional sweep of “Try Again”, this EP cements Brave Rival as one of the UK’s most exciting and authentic acts on the rise.

In short, 5 to 4 isn’t just a new chapter — it’s Brave Rival’s rebirth.