New York-based instrumental duo, BRAVE THE WATERS, is preparing to release their recently completed debut recordings in the form of the Chapter 1 – Dawn of Days EP. Nearly a month ahead of its release, a fresh tune from this new venture is now streaming through the rock underworld portal of The Obelisk.
Created by two New York musicians who both hold rank in epic death/doom quintet, Grey Skies Fallen, and spastic hardcore/powergrinders, Buckshot Facelift, the tranquil, wandering, instrumental passages the duo produces with BRAVE THE WATERS are far removed from the extreme ways of their other acts. The third of the half-dozen arrangements on Chapter 1 – Dawn of Days, “Voice Of The Ancient Oak” is one of the act’s favorites, and while it seemingly fell into place on its own — having been executed and captured in about a half hour — stands out as a glowing highlight of BRAVE THE WATERS’ maiden release. Issues the Taskmaster of The Obelisk on the ebbing movement, “Composed, according to the duo, in about half an hour, and expressed completely in three minutes, it’s emblematic of the efficiency with which Chapter 1 – Dawn of Days is able to conjure its atmospheres, and still holds firm to the human sensibility at the core of the project – two friends getting together and trying something new instrumentally that’s soaked in reverb and giving a brief look at a vast sonic horizon.”
BRAVE THE WATERS’ “Voice Of The Ancient Oak” can be heard at The Obelisk RIGHT HERE.
The EP’s “Journey Through Highwood Forest,” is also playing HERE.
Producing a mesmerizing, ethereal brew of beautiful, instrumental movements, BRAVE THE WATERS unites Grey Skies Fallen and Buckshot Facelift bandmates Tom Anderer (bass guitar, acoustic guitar) and Rick Habeeb (guitar). Having decided to write and record some instrumental tracks in a stripped-down fashion, with improvisation and spontaneity important aspects to each track the vast majority of what appears on their debut EP, Chapter 1 – Dawn of Days, was written and recorded on the spot. The six tracks of the EP sees the pounding drums, death metal vocals, and immense guitar distortion of their other acts completely abandoned, here replaced with clean guitars, melodic bass lines, and a healthy dose of Strymon’s amazing Big Sky reverberator.
Just in time for the Winter’s thaw, these winding passages inspire visions of lush nature and rebirth, matching the cover artwork by Travis Smith (Death, Opeth, King Diamond). Reminiscent of several styles at once, yet emerging as its own being, Chapter 1 – Dawn of Days is an immediately comforting, almost familiar release. BRAVE THE WATERS will release Chapter 1 – Dawn of Days independently through Bandcamp on May 12th.
For review copies of Chapter 1 – Dawn of Days and coverage of BRAVE THE WATERS, worldwide contact dave@earsplitcompound.com.
http://bravethewaters.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/bravethewaters
