Having decamped from his native Missouri to Europe, prolific songwriter Ian Fisher’s latest album, 'American Standards' looks back at his American roots with a European influenced pop sound inspired by his travels and experiences beyond his native borders.
From the opening notes of ‘Maybe A Little More’, it’s clear that this isn’t just another Americana album. Embracing his surrounding European influences, Fisher’s music encompasses the psychedelia of The Beatles, the anthemic overtones of The Who, the dreamy Americana of Neil Young, and the melodies of Bruce Springsteen.
His writing on the album, from the political tones of ‘AAA Station’, to the nostalgia-tinged ‘Ghost Of The Ryman’ – a tribute to the iconic Nashville theatre – is wide ranging. As is his musical direction. Blending electronica with eastern influences on ‘One Foot’, Fisher cautions against looking back too much, while on the stripped-back acoustic ‘Three Chords And The Truth’, he hits home hard with commentary on relationship breakdown.
Steering the listening into familiar country-rock sound, ‘American Standards’ finds Fisher taking a slightly cynical look at his homeland and his ultimate decision to leave while the up-tempo ‘It Ain’t Me’ sounds like a mash-up between the Allman Brothers and The Who.
Embracing a wide range of diverse musical arrangements and influences, blended with social commentary and scenery rooted in classic Americana, ‘American Standards’ is a fresh and exciting album that is a joyous treat to the ears.