The Ally have filled the void left by the Disco Biscuits for anyone searching for something creative and worthwhile from performance arts at Penn. Over the past two years, the Ally have gradually put together a steady following of devout followers from Penn and have started to expand their following beyond Philly city limits through touring and constant weekend shows throughout the northeast.
The Ally have now officially released their debut album, Action, a beautifully packaged studio effort that covers the gamut of their stage act. Complete with 75 minutes of the music perfected on stage over the last two years, including tracks like "2CE" and "Inner Pilot," Action pleases both the old and new fan. Playing their self-described "roots fusion," the Ally take the listener on a musical joyride through numerous genres, as songs border on reggae, electronica, and drum and bass realm, while still others have tinges of pure funked-out jam tunes.
All in all, the Ally have created a solid album that can't be easily crammed into any one specific genre -- one of the most enticing characteristics of Action and the band as whole. While other bands are often content to interminably rehash the same tired musical clich‚s, the Ally never seem to fall into the trap of repetition. Aided by the use of an electric violin, the Ally put together an unconventional lineup that has no problem dabbling into classical bluegrass tunes like "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."
While the album falls short of the excitement of a live performance, this is to be expected; it's extremely difficult to translate the energy from the stage onto CD. At times the music does seems a bit unfinished and young, (expected with a first release), and at other times the lyrics sound a bit forced into spots where the music speaks better by itself. But as a studio submission, Action has a tight and complete feel. Overall this album is a solid freshman effort that stands competently on its own, but bodes even better for a solid future of excellent fusion music.
Action is now available at the University Bookstore. And check out the Ally Friday, March 1, 8p.m. at the Five Spot, 5 Bank Street.
