I wrote about Gran Bel Fisher last month, talking about the song Edible off his debut record Full Moon Cigarette. I said that song wasn’t “that much different from your traditional 70s-rock-influenced alt-country fare,” but that it grew on me after a few listens as I began to sense a greater depth.
I concluded by saying “He could turn into a unique and truly interesting artist. Or he could turn into Coldplay-lite. One will probably be better for him commercially, but the other will make me happier.” I have to admit, after hearing the whole record, I’m still just a little perplexed. I definitely like it, and would recommend it, but I can’t quite get a handle of the feel of it. Is it country? Folk? Am I totally crazy for hearing a lot of Paul McCartney (post-Beatles, pre-bad songs)? What about Elton John? Or Sinatra? Or kd lang? And it’s certainly not jazz, but maybe it’s a little jazzy? I know that ultimately these labels don’t matter too much–if you like it you like it and it doesn’t matter why–but it’s a little frustrating trying to write about it.
I can say that my fears about Coldplay-lite were misplaced. If I’m not totally sure what it is, I know it’s not that.
Another track so you can form your own opinion:
Crash and Burn
As on most of the songs, the highlight is definitely his voice which is strong but supple, and emotive without being overly emotional. This is another piano-driven tune, which provides some essential gravity, and strengthens the anthemic moments in the chorus.
Some final thoughts: the genre-bending not only makes it tough to write about but also kept me from ever really getting a cohesive feel for the album. He’s got worlds of talent, but I’d like to hear future albums with a little tighter focus (and with less of the most directly 70s-rock influenced numbers, as those tend to be the weakest).