My Silent Bravery (formerly the Matt Shwachman Band) adds harder-edged elements of rock and funk to the pop sound praised by CMJ: “Acoustic-wielding, Boston-based singer songwriter Matt Shwachman will be giving established heart-melters like One Republic and Five for Fighting a run for their money.” Worcester-based My Silent Bravery hits its stride with its debut album, Are You Prepared? (March 23). “This album is way more upbeat and danceable, with more elements of hip hop and R&B than prior work,” said Shwachman, still the group’s principal songwriter. “There is much more spiritual depth to the lyrics on this album as well. It’s not only about relationships with other people but with a person’s search for something bigger. I have always incorporated elements of spirituality into my writing, but here I really went for it.” The release comes on the heels of MSB’s (as the Matt Shwachman Band) recent, successful placements on the WB’s “One Tree Hill” and MTV’s Real World Cancun and Real World D.C. These placements, along with spins on over 200 college radio stations, in addition to a rigorous show schedule, have helped the band steadily and organically grow a dedicated fan base. Musically, MSB draws comparisons from Maroon 5 and One Republic to John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Tom Petty and Five for Fighting. With the release of Are You Prepared, My Silent Bravery will add comparisons to Warner Brother’s powerhouse Mute Math. Reuniting with Andy Gallagher (who produced MSB’s Uncharted Territory) preserves the depth and writing process from MSB’s previously successful projects. Additional members of My Silent Bravery, Hugh Allen on bass, Mike Fiore on lead guitar, and Dana Bonardi on percussion, add new depth to the recording, incorporating elements from their nearly 150 shows over the past 18 months. During this time, the full crew has shared the stage with top national acts including Eve 6, Keith Kane of Vertical Horizon, and Jeffrey Gaines, among others. The rigorous touring schedule will continue as MSB hits the road in support of Are You Prepared? in late March through the beginning of May. Highlights will include a CD release party at Harper’s Ferry in Boston on March 27 as well as release shows in Worcester (Jillian’s, April 3) New York (Bitter End, April 9) and Philadelphia (World Café, April 24) with a return stop in Boston ( House of Blues, May 3) . To learn more visit www.mysilentbravery.com or www.myspace.com/mysilentbravey .