Big Brave

To you, it may seem a no-brainer that we would invite Big Brave back to Roadburn, but for us it took some time to come round to the idea. We should stress at this point though, it was not a lack of love for this incredible band that caused us to pause. To book the same band three times across four editions is not a common occurrence for us. However, the undeniable brilliance of Big Brave, and more specifically of their latest album, A Chaos of Flowers, meant that we couldn’t resist and we jumped in with both feet. 

It would be a different matter if the band in question was not so forward thinking; if they weren’t always pushing themselves further creatively with every new release. Their take on discordant doom is both unique and irresistible – and the sheer heft of A Chaos of Flowers makes it a thoroughly immersive and crushing listen. The album was announced with the haunting first track, i felt a funeral, back in January – an Emily Dickinson inspired eerie and emotive start to the year. 

As the album progresses, it becomes only more enveloping; low rumbles, cut through with angular dissonance and pierced by Robin Wattie’s luminescent voice. Live, the former trio of Robin, Tasy (drums) and Mathieu (guitar) have expanded to include Liam, who joins on bass. Big Brave has always been an impressive live act – as evidenced by their stunning performances at Roadburn over the years – however, this current iteration excels at delivering the nuance and intricacies that are woven throughout their sound. 

“We truly believe that festivals like Roadburn—where so many people come together—offer us a chance to focus on making the world a fairer, more equal place for all, without having to compromise on the music and experiences we love. We will be performing A Chaos of Flowers. It is a record about the consequences of trauma, the disregard for others both as individuals and as communities, the long-term effects of abuse, and the exploitation of people and the natural world. We cannot wait to play the entire album at Roadburn this April.”

It would be an injustice if A Chaos of Flowers isn’t recognised as a significant marker in the trajectory of Big Brave’s development, and further still, as an example of the expansive and experimental nature of heavy music released in 2024. We’re thrilled to welcome Big Brave back to Roadburn to perform this album in full.

– Becky Laverty