Brave Rival Electrifies Nottingham’s Bodega with Rock and Blues Mastery

August 4, 2024 rocknews

If Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart ever decide to step down, Lindsey Bonnick and Chloe Josephine of Brave Rival should be first in line to take their place. The powerhouse duo delivered a stunning performance at Nottingham’s Bodega, hitting every note with precision and harmonising flawlessly, much to the delight of the crowd.

Hailing from Portsmouth, Brave Rival is now in their fifth year and on the brink of releasing their second studio album, the eagerly awaited “Fight or Flight.” Their show at Bodega was a testament to their rock and blues roots, kicking off with the high-energy “Run And Hide” and swiftly moving into the crowd-pleaser “Bad Choices,” which had the audience enthusiastically joining in on the “Whoa’s.”

Between songs, Lindsey and Chloe charmed the crowd with their banter, apologising for their “angry songs” and expressing heartfelt thanks to their supporters and patrons, many of whom were present. Their attempt at the local Nottingham accent brought laughter and added a personal touch to the evening.

The setlist included a mix of original songs and covers, with standout renditions of Etta James’ “Down Your Eyes” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence,” the latter performed in near silence from the captivated audience. New tracks from their upcoming album, such as “Fairytale,” “All I Can Think,” and “Heavy,” were also showcased, with “Heavy” making its debut performance.

In a playful moment, Lindsey and Chloe announced that one lucky audience member would receive the night’s setlist, humorously written on the back of a fried chicken takeaway bag. The set timing allowed for an unexpected but thrilling cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” featuring an impressive guitar solo.

The show concluded with the heavier “What’s Your Name,” which had the crowd singing and dancing along. Each band member was introduced and given a moment to shine with a mini solo, receiving chants, claps, and whistles from the appreciative audience. As the final notes faded, the cheers grew louder, a testament to Brave Rival’s captivating performance.

Brave Rival’s live show is a must-see, with Lindsey and Chloe’s charisma and flawless performances standing out as the highlights. Their genuine support for each other and their engaging storytelling make for an unforgettable experience. With “Fight or Flight” on the horizon, now is the perfect time to catch Brave Rival live. Highly recommended by Rock News for any rock and blues enthusiast.