Young Allies make a promising first statement with fingers entwined

At four tracks, Fingers Entwined is a compact debut, but Young Allies uses the format effectively. The EP introduces the New York ensemble’s musical character, establishes its interest in adaptation and literary songwriting, and provides enough contrast to suggest several possible directions for the band’s future.

The project is led by Fritz Michel, whose background spans songwriting, acting, directing, and dramaturgy. Those disciplines meet naturally here. The songs are concerned with perspective, inherited narratives, and the ways meaning changes when material passes through different performers.

“Fingers Entwined” opens the EP with an image of overlap. Inspired by double-exposed Polaroids, the song explores relationships without reducing them to clear outcomes. Michel’s restrained vocal sits inside an arrangement that feels warm but slightly unsettled, matching the ambiguity of the central metaphor.

“Watchman” broadens the record’s historical scope by adapting a medieval troubadour song. Young Allies handles the source with a light touch. The track remains accessible even without knowledge of its origins, while listeners who recognize the reference can appreciate the distance the material has traveled.

“Are You In” is perhaps the EP’s most direct invitation. With inspiration drawn from Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” the song reflects on temporary beauty and the risk of hesitation. Its thoughtful construction shows that the band can work with literary concepts while keeping the emotional experience clear.

The closing “You Never Can Tell” brings a welcome shift in tone. Chuck Berry’s song has been interpreted countless times, but Young Allies finds a version suited to the EP’s relaxed, ensemble-based sound. The cover functions as a celebration, easing the record toward its conclusion without feeling disconnected from the themes that precede it.



The musicianship throughout is controlled and cohesive. Tosh Sheridan’s guitar work, Gavin Price’s bass, Isaac Gardner’s drumming, Phil Kadet’s keyboards, and Shelly Bhushan’s vocals support Michel while maintaining individual presence. The balance suggests a group that understands how to serve a song without flattening its own personality.

As a first release, Fingers Entwined offers a clear and credible portrait of Young Allies: thoughtful, collaborative, historically curious, and increasingly comfortable in its own sound. The EP does not attempt to answer every question about the band. It does something more useful for a debut, giving listeners a strong reason to remain interested.