Harry Kappen – Be Brave if you Can
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Be Brave if You Can, begins with a romantic strum of an acoustic guitar, followed by calm piano that softens Harry Kappen’s vocals. The tone and style of singing are melancholic, typical of David Bowie and Peter Hammill. The use of spoken-word samples, or pieces of people’s voices, adds a cinematic element, as if Kappen were telling a scene from an unseen film. At about 2:19, the electric guitar enters the scene, providing the song with the necessary strength that raises the chorus. This change transforms the song from a sweet ballad to something more wide preserving its expressive core. Slight melodic changes in the vocal lines (towards the end of teh song) suggest at Beatles-inspired phrasing, giving the track an air of classic elegance. By the time it reaches its peaceful fade-out, Be Brave if You Can offers a layered listening experience that is a mix of personal ballad and cinematic atmosphere. What makes the song unique is its driving emotional authenticity. Rather of relying on grand gestures, Kappen creates atmosphere with minor tone changes and a vocal style that seems particular.
