Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Alto Alto – Broken Fin (2024)

Eager to explore new twirls of sound pushing genres atop a foundation of familiarity, Alto Alto surge forth with a unique flair on indie-rock. Dipping into the nostalgic tunes of Sonic Youth while breaking free with modern-day eclecticism, the UK-based group are eager to mesmerise audiences expecting the unexpected. Join us as we delve into their debut single ‘Broken Fin’.

Penned by frontman Jonathan Payne (vocals and guitar) and produced by Christopher Barker and Izzi Skate, ‘Broken Fin’ is a three-and-a-half-minute rush of powerful music twirling you about in a sonic hurricane. Blending Joel Marten’s bold bass, Casper Miles’ crashing drums and Payne’s soaring guitar, ‘Broken Fin’ is a scratch of old-school indie meets alternative rock; however, just as there is unity in the arrangement, distortion exists with instruments shining in individuality while simultaneously harmonic.

Tipping you into the hurricane, Alto Alto begins by rocking you from pillar to post – madness swirling about with hard-hitting sounds. Yet, a slip in the middle leaves you in the eye of the storm… but there is little reprieve as the instruments kick up with scorching guitar riffs whipping across your face in a kaleidoscopic haze. Interestingly, while the insanity of sound crawls into your brain and fills it with a fuzzy haze, a sense of soothing lingers beneath the music.

The melody is soul-stirring, not to mention mind-blowing (not literally), but it is the lyricism that brings profoundness and depth to ‘Broken Fin’. Payne explains:

“’Broken Fin’ captures times I’ve faced rougher seas than ever before, whether swimming or surfing. The lyrics aim to draw listeners into that feeling of being out of depth, evoking fear and the strength to over it…”


Find out more about Alto Alto on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.


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