Braver than Fiction

Braver than Fiction

Braver than Fiction are an alternative rock band from Sheffield, UK. They form in 2013 as a studio project and then move into live performance later that year after their debut track, “Your Little Fantasy”, attracts online interest. Their first live showcase takes place around Halloween in 2013.

Line-up and formation

The group usually performs as a five-piece, sometimes as a four-piece, and at no point as a six-piece. The band also has a piece of internal lore around a brief appearance by a mythical “Dancing Viking”, who is not a regular member. The project starts in a living room rather than a conventional studio, and the members come from different industry backgrounds and bring varied creative influences and musical styles to the group.

Sound and reception

The band’s music is described as fitting broadly within alternative rock, while also being associated with folk, rock, indie and blues. Their sound is noted for combining contrasting influences, and it is compared with the work of Tom Waits and the line-up associated with Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours period. The band is also linked with strong activity on social media and with their tracks appearing on radio and venue DJs’ playlists.

Context

Braver than Fiction are identified with the industrial north of England and with Sheffield’s hilly geography. Their early development is closely tied to live venues after the positive response to their debut recording and first showcase.