Holding Patterns
Earlier this decade Art Of Fighting frontman, Ollie Browne's, modus operandi began to emerge: a milky yawn of a vocal; wide, sparse brushes of instrumentation and a generous amount of haunting reverb. With AOF now on hiatus, Parallel Lions is Browne's new vehicle.
On first listening to Holding Patterns, comparisons are warranted - those three emblematic features remain the framework. The emotional fabric is again stretched to breaking point, the undercurrent still somber but hopeful.
But two things have changed. The new band adds the rhythmic texture AOF often avoided, plus an electronic underscore of bleeps and blips. These factors coalesce best on ‘Separated', a masterful three-minute pop lullaby and the best indication of the album's intentions.
Holding Patterns seems like AOF broadened, illuminated and given the populist edge it sometimes feared. Does it work? Well, Browne remains an excellent songwriter. As to whether it resonates like Wires or Second Storey is for the die-hards to debate.
Release: Album
To Cure: A predictable playlist
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