(03 June 2001) On the heels of their Arise from Thorns Before anAudience of Stars (review) re-issueon the Dark Symphonies label, Brave have self-released a stunning 4-track EP entitled Waist Deep In Dark Waters. Brave are the former Arise From Thorns fronted by vocalist and keyboard player Michelle Loose, the band is also comprised of Tom Phillips (electric guitar), Scott Loose (acoustic and electric guitar), Trevor Schrotz (drums) and Chris Wilborn (bass).

Enthusiasts will be interested to know that the Before an Audienceof Stars re-issue includes three bonus tracks: "To Dance By Moonlight" (live), "The Calling," and "Return of the Old Forest." A mid-tempo ballad-style track, Michelle sings "To Dance By Moonlight" primarily over light acoustic guitar. Soaring above the light accompaniment, Michelle's tremendous vocal ability is clear in the live setting where only limited processing can be used to assist in the final production quality.

Michelle's soaring vocalise is clearly at home in the beginning of "The Calling" whose arrangements include crisp percussion and acoustic guitarpassages. Her sung parts are mixed slightly lower—underneath the guitars—than typify the band's recordings. "Return of the Old Forest" is a lovelykeyboard-based instrumental ballad.

Keen listeners will immediately notice the tremendous production qualityof Brave's recordings with vocals mixed way up, right where Musical Discoveries' readers like them. The EP opens with "Spirit" a symphonic progressive rocker with lush keyboards and guitars supporting Michelle's soaring vocal part. "Dark Waters" is a vocally-rich mid-tempo ballad supported by edgy guitars and gently swirling keyboards. The guitar soloduring the instrumental conclusion is played over symphonic keyboards.

Brave's development into the progressive metal is most evident in the instrumental arrangements of "Lost (in retrospect)" but Michelle's sweetly sung vocals remain a consistent element in the band's sound. The lushproduction perfectly suits the soaring excursions in Michelle's vocalpassages and is complimented by the guitar solo during the instrumentalbridge. The EP's final track is an instrumental excerpt from the forthcomingprogressive epic "To Search a Soul." Symphonic keyboards and crisp percussion perfectly underscore the metal-edged lead guitar melody.

The latest EP from Brave provides an enticing introduction to theirnext new album coming up short only in running time but not in musicalquality. You can find further information on the band's tour schedule,photographs, soundbites and order their recordings from their website or by writing Michelle Loose. Clearly worth a cross-country journey, the latest EP from Brave is a must listen!