When, as a band, you get over that initial, giddy rush of releasing your first EP and receiving some great feedback, it can be easy to forget that you’re going to have to replicate that achievement again – and pretty damn soon too, if you want to keep people interested.
But Yorkshire rockers Of Allies have cottoned onto this, with the release of their killer second EP ‘Fragments’. Despite the band only being together for two years, these guys have already caused an absolute storm, receiving air play on Huw Stephens Radio 1 show and BBC Introducing, as well as constantly touring and gigging to build up their reputation.
The alternative rock quartet kick things off with the rowdy title track, ‘Fragments’ and from the start, these guys mean business. They’ve created huge, roaring riffs to bring this opening track to life, complete with gutsy adrenaline. Frontman Rich Nichols’ vocals are strong and rich, drawing comparisons from Foo Fighter’s very own Dave Grohl. He displays this particularly well during ‘ONE19’, which sees their elephantine riffs uphold Rich’s soaring vocals, whilst coming complete with some pretty fucking tasty breakdowns.
Of Allies ease up very, very briefly for the opening chords of ‘Old Bones’, before going full-throttle with their blistering energy, saucy guitar licks and thunderous drum work. ‘Tempers’ is loud, angry, and raw, topped off with visceral riffs, before ending with the powerful ‘Call It Home’.
From the start to the end of ‘Fragments’, Of Allies show no sign of easing up; whether you like it or not, they’ve hit the accelerator, and you’re with them for the entirety of this ride. But their huge, mighty anthems will make things all the more fun.
JESS TAGLIANI