Fragile - Big Big Smile (2025) Hi-Res

The impact of Fragile's first EP, …About Going Home, released two years ago, will long be remembered. Following that, the quintet from Angers established themselves on the French music scene with their subtle blend of emo and post-hardcore, which allowed them to ignite crowds as expected. So, naturally, expectations were high for their first full-length album, Big Big Smile.

After a hazy and dreamlike introduction, "The Lowdown," which sets the scene perfectly, Fragile unleashes the blistering tracks "Santander" and "Celebrate," which allow them to tread on the hot coals of Touché Amoré and Lane. The Angers-based quintet nevertheless aims for a broad sound, extending beyond their post-hardcore influences by incorporating power-pop touches on the unifying and massive "Little Things" without ever compromising their almost supernatural ferocity.

Big Big Smile continues to charge ahead with tracks like the staccato "For Later" and the more incisive "Tiny Ghosts and Disco Lights" and "Afterglow." But surprisingly, Fragile takes an optimistic turn in their lyrics, which are marked by hope and resilience, particularly on the undeniably melodic "A Reason Why." Behind these sonic explosions emerge moments of striking clarity, such as "Wallflower," where they utilize the vocoder, and the serene and dreamlike conclusion, "Wide Awake," which allows the Angers quintet to establish themselves masterfully on this debut album rich in contrasts.