Fragments is the brand new EP from Of Allies, following on from their debut EP Tempers. It’s a nice, meaty release with a lot of substance and kick to it, but on the other hand it doesn’t quite manage to stand out from the crowd.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good little listen that features a good vocal performance and some good instrumentation, with plenty of occasions for you to sing along and get involved, but unfortunately that’s all it is – good. There’s nothing that quite sets Of Allies apart from other bands in the already-oversaturated alt-rock genre and it does feel like they’ve gone for a safe option rather than be a little more adventurous and try something new.
That’s not to say that the album is unlistenable, as none of the songs are bad. The group vocals in ONE19 are extremely tight and together, which is very impressive to witness, and another strong track is Call It Home, a classic slow-burner to wind up the album that features some gently-delivered guitars and emotive vocals for good measure before the whole band kicks in to finish things on a high.
Fragments is certainly listenable, but it might take a bit more for Of Allies to get noticed in the industry.
6.5/10
