Downes Braide Association, the duo comprised of award-winning songwriter and vocalist Chris Braide and legendary keyboardist of Asia, The Buggles and Yes, Geoff Downes, has now been creating music together for nearly 15 years. Better known simply as DBA, the pair return with their sixth studio album, Trauma, another stellar collection of melodic pop and progressive rock built around strong songwriting, memorable melodies and storytelling.
Most of the pair’s albums follow a similar style and flow with a mix of pop-infused anthems, along with some mid-tempo numbers and a few longer proggy tracks. This album follows a similar trajectory. But it does boast more memorable material than their previous release, stacking up with their best work like 2017’s Skyscraper Souls and 2021’s Halcyon Hymns.
Downes unique keyboard flourishes are ever present, and his choices of chords and sounds are unmistakable. Braide’s vocals are natural and expressive and while he is a successful songwriter for other singers, it’s always a pleasure when is in the vocal front seat. Meanwhile, the supporting lineup of Dave Bainbridge on guitars, Andy Hodge on bass and Ash Soan on drums return to join DBA, with additional drums provided by Tim Weller. Their contributions give the album the feel of a genuine band performance while providing a strong foundation for the distinctive musical partnership between Downes and Braide.
The album gets off to an immediate high point with “Hello, Hello,” a soaring pop/arena-rock anthem and arguably one of the duo’s finest tracks to date. Driven by a huge, memorable chorus and an instantly accessible melody, it’s the kind of song that demonstrates just how effortlessly Braide and Downes can combine classic pop songwriting with the grander scale associated with progressive rock.
The title track, meanwhile, moves further into progressive territory, highlighting DBA’s ability to weave sophisticated arrangements and ideas into songs that never lose sight of melody. The tracks recalls some of their previous longer title tracks like “Suburban Ghosts” and “Skyscraper Soul.” It’s a wonderful song.
First single “Wonderland” takes a more measured approach, delivering a wonderfully catchy mid-tempo ballad that showcases the duo’s melodic instincts. While “King of Karma” has a slight Steven Wilson feel about it and is another highlight.
At the other end of the spectrum is “Lakes of Memories,” one of the longest pieces DBA have recorded, clocking in at around 14 minutes. It gives Downes and Braide the opportunity to stretch beyond the more concise songwriting found elsewhere on the album while maintaining the emotional and melodic qualities at the heart of their music. Despite being known as a pop-hit maker, Braide excels in the long-form type of songs that being in DBA allows him to create.
The album has an impressive collection of guests. The late David Longdon, a longtime DBA collaborator, is also present through flute performances recorded during the band’s 2018 sessions, adding an especially poignant connection to DBA’s past. Marc Almond appears on “Juliet,” while Emmi contributes to “Love and Loss,” and Delilah Barrett provides narration. Elsewhere, Andy Partridge, Barney Ashton-Bullock and Dean Johnson each contribute original poems to the album booklet, also adding another element. Completing the package is another striking Roger Dean cover. His artwork has become closely associated with DBA and once again provides an appropriately distinctive visual companion to the music.
Six albums into their career, Downes Braide Association continue to occupy their own space between progressive rock and sophisticated melodic pop and ‘Trauma’ is a welcome addition to their wonderful catalog.
Released on Sept 25th. 2026
ORDER LINK HERE: https://cherryred.co/Trauma
Tracklisting:
1.Hello, Hello – 4:57
2.Trauma – 8:20
3.King of Karma – 4:53
4.Wonderland – 5:12
5.Love and Loss – 3:16
6.I Wish I’d Known – 4:11
7.Do You Remember? – 4:54
8.Juliet – 2:24
9.Lake of Memories – 14:29
10.Wherever You Are Now – 5:44
Written & Produced by Chris Braide & Geoff Downes. Paintings and logo by Roger Dean
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