Almost but not quite epic
Title track 'Backroads' opens Lonely The Brave's debut EP and both it, and the slightly longer acoustic version at track 3, show signs of a song verging on being a passionate epic. Unfortunately, on the EP, Dave Jakes voice isn't quite strong enough to take this song where it's trying to go. The end result is a nice song rather than an amazing one.
'Black Saucers' and 'Call Of Horses' both contain the same strong melodies from Jakes' vocals and Mark Trotter's guitars, tight rhythms from bassist Andrew Bushen and solid beats from drummer Gavin Edgeley; but fail at reaching the heights of passion needed to be mind blowing epics.
Closing the EP, 'Victory Line' is yet another track with the same rhythms and melodies and could almost be interchangeable with the others. The difference between acoustic and full bodied tracks is minimal and they quickly blend into one sound that is initially appealing but verges on becoming bland.
That said, there is something that draws you to Lonely The Brave, they're a band that can clearly write epic songs. The hints of passion and emotion hover at the edge of each track, they just need to find a way to capture it all on to a record.