22 Rising blaze a new path with anthemic debut, “Fractured Fragments” - Interview
There’s a rare kind of electricity that surges through a debut single when a band knows exactly what they stand for — when every note, lyric, and chord feels lived-in, fought for, and hard-won. That’s the undeniable pulse running through “Fractured Fragments,” the powerful inaugural offering from 22 Rising, a group carving their own legacy out of grief, hope, and sheer rock ‘n’ roll resilience.
The band’s name isn’t just a catchy moniker. “22” represents balance, perseverance, and deep personal meaning for frontman Bradley Mangrum. It’s a tribute to his late daughter Leighanne, whose name holds 22 letters and whose tragically brief life both began and ended on the 22nd. The number is woven into the band’s DNA, a constant reminder of why they play and who they play for.
Musically, the track is anthemic modern rock at its finest — a blend of soaring vocals, gritty guitars, driving percussion, and the unexpected warmth of a trumpet line that turns what could be a standard rock song into something singular. The vocals don’t just carry melody; they carry weight, sounding equally at home in moments of vulnerability and defiant strength. His delivery feels deeply connected to the song’s theme of piecing yourself back together from emotional wreckage, yet doing so with a sense of rising, of becoming something greater.
The instrumentation deserves just as much credit. The guitars buzz and shimmer, anchoring the track in a classic rock tradition while giving it enough contemporary edge to appeal to modern alt-rock audiences. The trumpet lines — not a typical staple in this genre — are a masterstroke, adding warmth and a cinematic feel that elevates the song from good to unforgettable. It’s those little choices, those extra shades of color in the arrangement, that reveal a band already confident in their own identity.
What makes this release even more exciting is the sense that this is only the beginning. In our interview with the full band (above) — a four-piece unit that feels more like a brotherhood than a lineup — they spoke passionately about how “Fractured Fragments” is just a taste of what’s to come. They opened up about the cathartic process of collaborating on this track, building it piece by piece from raw emotion and lived experience. Each member brings something unique to the table, but it’s the sense of collective fire and genuine camaraderie that makes them a force to watch.
They also teased what’s next: a collection of songs that promise to be just as soulful and anthemic, brimming with the kind of hooks and heart that define timeless rock music. It’s clear that 22 Rising thrives on the live stage, and based on what the band shared, seeing them in person should be at the top of every rock fan’s list.
It’s rare to hear a debut that feels this emotionally authentic and musically assured. “Fractured Fragments” is a declaration of intent from a band not just content to play music but determined to matter, to offer solace and solidarity through their art. In an industry often too quick to prioritize polish over heart, 22 Rising remind us why rock music endures — because it speaks to the soul’s fractures and invites us all to rise.
So please, do yourselves a favor and check out our discussion, but don’t forget to listen in, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for so much more in the works and on the way.
Listen to “Fractured Fragments”
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