Broken Splendour describe themselves as ‘alt-folktronica’. Odd, but interestingly, a perfect description for the wide array of genres incorporated in their debut self-titled EP.
While the band is fresh, lead singer and guitarist Thomas Vecera has had a career spanning two solo albums, 10 years, and two continents.
Unfortunately, the majority of Broken Splendour is something you’ve heard too much before. Vecera has taken the ever-so-common sounds of acoustic/country rock, added a bit of electronic flavour and produced it as a lo-fi EP.
This is a bit of a disappointment, as despite the fact that it’s clear that each song is rife with fantastic compositions – the execution and manner of these compositions, are done in a way that complements them in a lacklustre way.
Each track is comprised of a range of different sounds, effects, and intensities, saving this album from being a bore to listen to.
Vecera’s lyrics are somewhat of a hit and miss, with strong lyrics such as “why don’t we go where there’s no division” in “Little Brown Chairs”, and weak lyrics such as “plastic kids and go betweens / lemonheads and coffee beans” in “Love Will Wait”.
Broken Splendour shows masses of promise, but it seems that the trio is yet to produce something worthy of a large amount of attention. Though considering what’s been demonstrated in their self-titled EP, attention may come sooner rather than later.
