Brat - Social Grace Review

Brat - Social Grace Review

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Brat is not here to simply win over your social graces—they’re here to lay down some seriously meaty riffs, blistering drumming, and bass that hits you in all the right places. Their debut album delivers a heavy, dense sound with just the right balance of bounce and groove, making it a thrilling listen from start to finish. The riffs are massive and punchy, pulling off everything from thrash-infused aggression to slow, chugging heaviness with finesse. The sheer size and weight of these riffs is impressive, with each track packing a punch that demands attention.

While some of the riffs occasionally tread familiar ground, they’re never too generic to make you lose interest. Each song carries enough variation to keep things engaging, as the band shifts effortlessly between tempos and styles. The drumming is another standout element here. It’s tight and precise, with plenty of intricate fills and hard-hitting beats that keep the momentum flowing throughout the album. Meanwhile, the bass does a fantastic job of filling out the sound, giving the riffs a bold, beefy presence that really resonates in your chest.

Sonically, this band is firing on all cylinders. The production on the album is clean and polished, yet retains a raw edge that gives it a sense of power and authenticity. It’s clear that a great deal of thought and effort went into crafting this record, ensuring that every element shines through without feeling overproduced. You can feel the energy and attention to detail in every note.

The only area where the album could improve, however, is in the vocal performance. While there has certainly been progress since their previous EP, the vocals sometimes get a bit lost in the mix. The sheer intensity of the band’s performance can overshadow the vocal delivery, and her lines—while solid—often fade into the background. It’s almost as if the rest of the band is so relentless and powerful that her parts don’t get the chance to really stand out. It would have been nice to hear her push the pace and consistency of her vocals, matching the intensity of the music a bit more.

Despite that minor hiccup, Brat still delivers a strong debut. This album proves that they’ve got what it takes to make a mark in the scene, with tight instrumentation, impressive songwriting, and a sound that is both fresh and aggressive. This little band from Louisiana has crafted something that’s both graceful and fierce—a promising start to what could be a thrilling musical journey ahead.

RATING: 8/10

NOTABLE TRACKS: 

Ego Death

Rope Drag

Snifter

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