Montreal-based experimental metal band BIG|BRAVE has announced the release of their tenth studio album, in grief or in hope, set to arrive on June 12th via Thrill Jockey. The announcement comes with the release of the lead single, “the ineptitude for mutual discernment,” a track that continues the band’s exploration of intense soundscapes and emotionally resonant themes. This latest offering follows closely on the heels of their 2024 album, A Chaos of Flowers, and 2023’s Nature Morte, solidifying a prolific period for the critically acclaimed group.
BIG|BRAVE, formed in Montreal in 2012, has consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy music, blending elements of drone doom, post-metal, and experimental rock. The band’s core members – guitarist and vocalist Robin Wattie, guitarist Mathieu Ball, and drummer Tasy Hudson – have cultivated a distinctive sound characterized by its atmospheric intensity and emotionally raw lyrical content. Their journey began as an acoustic, folk-oriented duo featuring Wattie and Ball before evolving into the heavier, more experimental form that defines their current work, as noted in a 2024 interview with The Guardian.
Exploring Grief, Hope, and the Human Condition
in grief or in hope sees Wattie and Ball joined in the studio by Liam Andrews, a longtime touring bassist known for his work with MY DISCO and Aicher. Wattie described the album as an exploration of “catchy, melodic phrasing weaved throughout the intensity of the instrumentation and drony chord changes.” He further elaborated that the album’s themes center around “grief and hope. death and life; cause and effect; shared experiences of being a human person.” This suggests a continuation of the band’s introspective lyrical approach, delving into complex emotional territories.
The band’s previous work has garnered significant critical acclaim, earning them three Polaris Music Prize longlist nominations for Vital (2021), nature morte (2023), and A Chaos of Flowers (2024). The Polaris Music Prize, established in 1999, recognizes Canadian albums of artistic merit, regardless of genre. These nominations underscore BIG|BRAVE’s growing recognition within the Canadian music scene and their ability to connect with audiences through their unique sonic vision.
A Shift in Instrumentation and Sound
BIG|BRAVE’s evolution has been marked by a willingness to experiment with sound and instrumentation. Their 2024 album, OST, saw the band abandon their usual tools to create a new sound around an instrument they dubbed “the Instrument”—a stringed, temperamental creation. This willingness to embrace unconventional approaches to music-making is a defining characteristic of their artistic identity. The band’s sound has thickened with each release, culminating in the “avalanches of noise” that characterized Nature Morte, according to The Quietus.
The addition of Liam Andrews on bass for in grief or in hope adds another layer to the band’s sonic palette. Andrews’ experience with bands like MY DISCO and Aicher suggests a shared sensibility for experimental and challenging music, potentially influencing the album’s overall direction. The band’s previous drummer, Louis-Alexandre Beauregard, was replaced by Tasy Hudson in 2019, marking a significant shift in the band’s rhythmic foundation.
The Tracklist and Anticipation for the New Release
The tracklist for in grief or in hope offers a glimpse into the album’s thematic and sonic landscape:
- 01 “what may be the kindest way to leave”
- 02 “a shape of shame”
- 03 “the ineptitude for mutual discernment”
- 04 “holding tongue”
- 05 “verdure”
- 06 “skin ripper”
- 07 “an uttering of antipathy”
- 08 “in grief or in hope”
The song titles themselves hint at themes of loss, regret, and the complexities of human relationships. “The ineptitude for mutual discernment,” the lead single, is described as a “glitchy, hypnotic dirge,” suggesting a sound that is both unsettling and captivating. Fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating the full release of the album to experience the complete scope of BIG|BRAVE’s artistic vision.
BIG|BRAVE’s History and Evolution
Founded in 2012, BIG|BRAVE has consistently challenged conventional genre boundaries. Their discography includes seven studio albums prior to in grief or in hope: Feral Verdure (2014), Au De La (2015), Ardor (2017), A Gaze Among Them (2019), Vital (2021), Leaving None but Small Birds (a collaborative album with The Body, released in 2021), and Nature Morte (2023). Each album represents a step forward in the band’s sonic exploration, refining their signature blend of intensity and emotional depth.
The band’s collaboration with The Body on Leaving None but Small Birds demonstrated their willingness to engage with other artists and explore new creative avenues. The Body, known for their own brand of heavy and experimental music, brought a unique perspective to the collaboration, resulting in an album that was both challenging and rewarding. The band’s consistent output and willingness to experiment have solidified their position as a leading force in the experimental metal scene.
The band’s producer, Seth Manchester, has develop into a key collaborator, helping to refine their sound since 2019’s A Gaze Among Them. His influence is evident in the increasingly polished and impactful sound of their recent albums. According to The Quietus, the band felt they had reached a peak with Nature Morte, but in grief or in hope suggests they are continuing to push their creative boundaries.
in grief or in hope is available for pre-order now via Bandcamp: https://bigbrave.bandcamp.com/album/in-grief-or-in-hope. The album is scheduled for release on June 12th, promising another compelling chapter in the ongoing evolution of BIG|BRAVE.
The next confirmed event for BIG|BRAVE is the release of in grief or in hope on June 12th. Fans are encouraged to pre-order the album and follow the band’s social media channels for updates on tour dates and other news. We invite readers to share their thoughts on BIG|BRAVE and their new single in the comments below.