Fischer's Flicker: Katmandon't

Music and humour seldom mix well, so it was with trepidation that I slipped the awfully titled Katmandon't by Fischer's Flicker, what with it also coming housed in a thoroughly awful "kooky" sleeve, into the CD player. Sounding not even half as daft as I feared, but never being as captivating as it initially suggested, the mix of seventies rock, Americana, soul and blues at first reels you in through the soulful heartfelt voice of Scott Fischer (Deja Voo Doo/Carpe P.M. - you see the "kookiness" theme) being slick and classy. Add to that a poise that nothing else about this release suggests and we should be on to a good thing and we nearly, but never quite, are. Fischer himself handles piano, keys and some of the guitars and while there are a myriad of other musicians popping into and out of earshot, this is a solo album in the true sense, with Fischer also producing and engineering the whole shebang as well. Something which may explain the lack of variation in sound across the album. Yes some tracks are a little ballsier than others and in places the guitars edge in front of the ever present piano lead. However by the time you've edged your way across the nine tracks, the lack of pace, or variety leaves you a little nonplussed - dare I say bored.

Take nothing away from Fischer, this guy can sing and his piano and keyboard playing is exemplary. Then add excellent guitar playing from Michael Duttage, Tim Kubiak and of course Fischer and the ingredients are all in place for some truly captivating moments, which never materialise. "Diamond Blue" is a prime example of a song where the musicianship is excellent, the vocals rather stunning and the arrangements beyond question, but when the Tom Petty, or The Band meets Billy Joel via almost soul and R&B, everything is all just a little sullen and lacking in life to truly enthral.

Supposedly when Fischer plays live he has created an elaborate visual experience utilising countless hours of B-movie sci-fi footage to piece together a feast for the eyes. In that setting I can imagine this music truly taking off and holding your attention. However as it is here on disc, that ability is one sorely lacking on Katmandon't.

Track Listing
1. Music Is My Mistress
2. Ex-Birthday
3. Souls
4. Year Of Locust
5. Death Of A Dutchman
6. Diamond Blue
7. Three Little Secrets
8. Wound Up Being Me
9. Bonfire Memories

Added: February 17th 2013
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Fischer's Flicker Online
Hits: 1857
Language: english

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