“Nature Morte:” An Album with Feeling and Movement

Albums that really resonate with me have a few requirements. It needs to flow through each song without losing my attention, and it needs to capture a feeling. The feelings should take the listener from place to place within that feeling. When I say that, I mean I want an album that moves, even if it is a small and subtle movement. I want to be able to paint a picture in my mind using only what the artist is giving me. An album from this year that I have hit all my criteria is “Nature Morte” by the band Big Brave. 

Big Brave is a heavy experimental three-piece from Quèbec, Canada. Their sound moves fluidly among elements of post-rock, noise-rock, and some sonic familiarities with shoegaze. When I first found this band a few years ago, I wasn't really hooked in any way. Yet, they were a band whose name I at least recalled upon hearing that their new album “Nature Morte” had some singles available.

I listened to the songs available at the time and found myself genuinely excited to hear the rest. Not only were the songs great through and through, but the art depicted on the cover was beautiful. I felt as though the artwork captured the sound on this record in a visual platform perfectly. It's not very often when an album has this effect on me, but when it does, it feels like the full package.

In the coming weeks, the singles would become part of my regular rotation. Thus, my excitement for the release built further. Upon release, I can safely say I was anything but disappointed. The album is as crushing as it is serene. The first song smashes as an opener with singer Robin Watties' signature sweet, yet edged vocals. He's accompanied by Louis Alexandre’s massive drums and guitarist Mathieu Ball, whose tone soars with agonizing heaviness. The track moves with a sound reminiscent of the drums and horns played before a great battle commences. The track showcases these savagery feelings through all 7 minutes.

There are more layers to their music than you might realize at first. The heart of their music is what keeps me coming back. The music is abrasive, to say the least, and one not willing to give it a fair listen will probably not feel the same as I do. But should you find a piece of this music that speaks to you, then I think that is all it needs to make you return again.

The rest of the album moves with the same atmosphere. Each one is subtly different in its approach and overall mood. But never losing its sense of direction or guttural energy.

“Nature Morte” will end up being one of my must-listen-to albums of 2023 for sure. It will more than likely maintain a place within my rotation for quite some time. The seeds of this feeling are already planted. I hope you find the time and desire to check out "Nature Morte” by “Big Brave”.