Attending a show of the markedly talented and passion-infused band Bravey Don is a tremendous experience. Since its inception in February of 2015, B.D. has quickly become a favorite group for many locals. In fact, Bravey is one of the Bend-based bands whose music and potential there is reason to have considerable excitement about. The B.D. trifecta consists of members Jonathan Burr on drums and vocals, Ryan Lucas on bass, and David Gillespie on guitar and lead vocals.
Gillespie actually started out his rock-star-in-the-making career in Necktie Killer, previously one of Bend's most popular groups. Unfortunately, due to differences among band members, Necktie disbanded and Gillespie was left to explore new options.
"Necktie Killer broke up about a year and a half after I joined and I quickly started the process of forming my own band with the intention of writing the music and taking the place of lead singer," said Gillespie.
His role in Necktie was that of trombone player, so he has certainly gone in a brave new direction by taking lead in his own band. Bravey Don released its first album this last year: "Birth of Bravey." It's a five-track EP (extended play), which is nothing short of contemporary and tasty indie rock with plenty of groove-infused danceable tracks, sarcastic undertones, and dirty blends of ear-popping auditory bliss. It's available for dirt cheap to download on Bandcamp.com. Bravey already has a second album in the works, slated for release this spring.
One of the great things about seeing a Bravey Don show is the palpable authenticity of the experience. The gents in the band are some of the most enthused and energetic in the industry, and that translates directly into the "x" factor present at their shows.
"We want to get people worked up. We are not a sit-down band. We want to get you moving, get you drinking, get you feeling emotions in the teenage extremes of intensity," Gillespie says.
That is exactly what they accomplish; consequently, B.D. has a strong local following that can be found at most shows, infusing those venues with a synergistic explosion of elated and boisterous participants. What else should a first-timer expect at a Bravey Don show? The music is so catchy and danceable, that by the end of the night if there are any butts left in seats, they should probably be immediately enrolled in fun lessons.
Bravey Don
Opening for Vox Vocis
Monday, Feb. 1, at 9 p.m.,
Volcanic Theatre Pub.
70 SW Century Dr., Bend
$5
