The work of BIG|BRAVE is ever-expanding. The breadth of their sound has encompassed a breathtaking array of dynamics and sonics. Their sound, guided by their indomitable exploratory spirit, exploits contrasts between extremity and subtlety. The trio’s singular, masterful sculpting of sonics into songcraft tucks layers of vulnerability into formidable storms. in grief or in hope is an innovative vision of electro-acoustic sound and emotive storytelling, an endless bounty of overwhelming distortions and devastating beauty.
in grief or in hope marks a shift for BIG|BRAVE towards denser, guitar-oriented compositions. With longtime touring bassist Liam Andrews (MY DISCO, Aicher) joining guitarist/vocalist Robin Wattie and guitarist Mathieu Ball in the studio for the first time, the pieces are keenly layered with a rich tapestry of harmonics and tonal intricacies. Each piece is its own biome of distortions starkly contrasted with delicate, even tender, moments. The trio’s instinctual progressions are made more vivid through live recording, harnessing the gargantuan and storied sound of their performances. Within texturally maximalist loops and affected vocals, the pieces utilize the aesthetics of drone, electronic, and heavy music within a foundation of pop song form. Wattie writes: “I wanted to explore catchy, melodic phrasing weaved throughout the intensity of the instrumentation and drony chord changes. All that I could reflect on was grief and hope; death and life; cause and effect; shared experiences of being a human person.”

Bang of Hearts is a musical entity consisting of Dominique Van Cappellen-Waldock (Baby Fire, Veda, Fleur de Feu,…) on vocals, Poetry and spoken word, Timo Jacobs / Forestaal (Schim, the Moondig, Myaelin, Pilod,…); vocals, electronics, drums and percussion and Peter Verwimp / Ashtoreth ( Maya, Emptiness, Building Transmissions,…) on vocals, bass and guitar.
Together they conjure up an eclectic form of vast, improvised drone pieces with a ritualistic character.
Every now and then they gather at the Barn in Betekom, Belgium and pour their hearts out. They play what they feel and this may result in a patchwork of styles and influences: dark ambient, sludge, kraut rock, ritual drones, gothic doom, electronic soundscapes…one never knows what to expect as it is always delivered in a free form; a hypnotic sonic adventure for both the players as well as the audience.