Glasgow Rising Stars BRSR Drop Crushing Debut Record ‘A Field of Manmade Fires’
Since their forming in 2022, Glasgow’s alt-rock powerhouse BRSR have continued to carve their own way into not only the Glasgow music scene but the Scottish scene as a whole - the countless work that has went in to making the band what they are today has not went unnoticed and that all comes into place with their huge debut album A Field of Manmade Fires. The build up to the release has been backed with countless sold-out shows and mammoth singles has made for something special before the big day.
Despite personnel changes since they started, the band have built something special and that all stems from the hard work and dedication from vocalist and guitarist David ‘Div’ Roberts, who along with members Matt Aitchison & Kieran Gallagher who have combined their wide range of musical knowledge from years of grind in the industry to create something special. Since then they have welcomed in two new members with Drew Young getting behind the drum kit and Chloe Johnston who brings her incredible vocals and synth skills to the band. Lets not forget the bands previous drummer Kyle McGhee who has received well deserved praise from the band ahead of the albums release with a personal thanks to all he done in the making of the record - his power on the drums will go down in the history of not only this record, but in the Glasgow music scene as a whole.
To the music and one might describe this record to the feeling of opening a big bag of salt and vinegar party mix, once you open it you just never want it to end. The record tells a compelling story of the bands emotional journey from where they began. The ability they have to transform vulnerability into something so beautiful and heartfelt shows the talent that is behind each member of this band. The unique approach they have to alt music is incredible and their ability to switch up the intensity of each track adds to the overall experience of their record. You can hear so many of the bands influences seep through on so many songs but with their own perfect take on it.
With standout tracks like “Judas” and “Portals” already released pre album, diving into the likes of “Buried At Home” and “This Promise” just shows how smoothly they can explode a track into life especially with “Buried At Home” - the tense build up takes me back to seeing them for the first time making their live debut and being blown away with just how powerful Divs vocals are and this is emphasized continuously throughout the record. Going back to the words mentioned of previous drummer McGhee, as someone who’s followed and adored what he can do behind a kit for years, its clear to hear what he brought to piecing all of this together - weather its on stage or in the studio, his skills are insanely powerful and really cement how this record sounds.
Another notable mention for the album closer Man of Glass - this just rounds off the album beautifully and combines so much of what BRSR are all about and pieces together what this record represents. The way Div and Chloe’s vocals bounce of each other in the beginning is simply stunning leading into such a slick guitar and bass rhythm that leads nicely to lyrically perfect chorus before closing with what I can only describe as an outro that would not look out of place rippling around arenas.
Being a fan of these guys since the very beginning, I could sit for hours on end singing the praises of everything they’ve achieved in such a short time - this record is only the start and the future is shaping up to be something special for BRSR, you just need to strap yourself in for the ride.
Like what you hear? You can catch BRSR on the road on the following dates later in the year.
13th March - Rocco’s Glasgow Headline
17th April - Little Buildings, Newcastle Headline
17th July - King Tuts Summer Nights Festival, Glasgow
27th - 29th November - Italy