BRIA fires up the amplifiers with the swaggering rock revival of ‘Optimus Masochist’
There is no shortage of artists borrowing from rock’s golden years, but BRIA approaches the genre from a completely different position. Instead of just recreating a past they admire, frontman Angelo Bria is drawing on a lifetime spent living it. And that perspective gives ‘Optimus Masochist’ an authenticity that cuts through the nostalgia, delivering a collection that feel equally rooted in classic hard rock and determined to make their own mark.
Leading the charge is the title-track, a punchy, riff-heavy opener that captures the band’s blend of muscular guitars, memorable choruses and tongue-in-cheek attitude. There’s an infectious sense of confidence running through the song, balancing gritty rock ‘n’ roll energy with a knowing sense of humour that prevents it from ever taking itself too seriously. It’s loud, unapologetic and built to be experienced with the volume firmly turned up.
The five-track EP continues that momentum with ‘Misery Map’, ‘Dirty Glass’, ‘Prison Stay’ and ‘The Camera’, each exploring a slightly different corner of BRIA’s sound while maintaining the same punchy songwriting approach. Throughout, the EP succeeds because of its balance between driving instrumentation and strong melodic instincts, as big riffs are matched by equally memorable vocal hooks, giving the songs an accessibility that extends beyond traditional hard rock audiences.
Angelo Bria’s experience as a performer shines throughout the EP. His vocals carry the confidence of someone who understands exactly how these songs are meant to connect, bringing both grit and personality to every performance.
Production also plays a significant role in the EP’s appeal. Under the guidance of Dead End Bowie, the recordings strike a satisfying balance between vintage rock textures and contemporary clarity. The guitars retain plenty of bite, the rhythm section drives each track forward with purpose, and the overall mix allows every instrument enough space to breathe without sacrificing impact.
As BRIA prepares to take these songs across the United States on tour, ‘Optimus Masochist’ serves as a confident statement of intent. It’s an EP that celebrates everything that makes hard rock enduringly enjoyable: powerful riffs, infectious choruses, charismatic performances and enough attitude to fill an arena. More importantly, it reminds us that great rock music is about capturing the same sense of excitement that made people fall in love with it in the first place.