BIG|BRAVE’s preternatural instincts and depth of skill as musicians are on full display on their most naked and austere record to date, OST.

The trio entered the studio with broader concepts and themes in mind, but no preconceived music. The overarching concept was to make a film score for a film that had yet to be created, to use minimal instrumentation, or more specifically not their standard band instruments, and to improvise within these parameters. “Although this record could stand on its own, we envisioned it being paired with moving images, which introduced a fresh and exciting way of working,” notes guitarist Mathieu Ball.

In addition to forgoing their usual instrumentation, they notably built their own. Ball created a stringed instrument using piano strings simply called “The Instrument”. This instrument ended up becoming a central figure to the OST’s sound. Guitarist/vocalist Robin Wattie adds: “The strings Mathieu used for his instrument came from a discarded piano thatch that had been laying around in the hallway of my tattoo studio for ages. It took a lot of work to get the strings off but then he made the instrument in only a few days. It blew my mind.” The Instrument’s presence is felt throughout the record as a conductive element amplifying the album’s earthly nature, grounded nature.

OST was fully written and recorded in the studio. The band was free to enter the live room and record a take with whatever instrument was at hand. Once solid foundation had been laid for a piece, Ball, Wattie, drummer Tasy Hudson and even engineer/producer Seth Manchester would each build on it, layering takes, from instrumental improvisations to abstract vocals, until they felt it was a completed piece.

Wattie’s voice seamlessly blends with the instrumental flourishes made from “The Instrument”, a Wurlitzer, prepared piano, synths and a very limited amount of electric guitar. Additionally, there is a sprinkling of flute by Melissa Guion (MJ Guider). The performances of each player are tactile and ardent, even at their most subtle and effected.

On OST, BIG|BRAVE set challenging new creative parameters. The resulting album is a testament to their creative prowess as composers and skillful playing as performers. BIG|BRAVE were not only able to create a beautiful concept album, but to imbue minimalist performances with potent feeling, harnessing tenderness and darkness with a wonderful tension.

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