Missouri native now American expat and singer/songwriter Ian Fisher follows-up his 2018 Idle Hands release with American Standards – a lush mash-up of Americana and Euro-pop with socio/political themes. To quote Fisher, “This is the least country-sounding album I’ve ever made. But I can’t deny that it’s still related to that genre that I love through its lyrics and the songs’ influences.” The LP was recorded in the Austrian countryside with producer Rene Muhlberger (lead guitar, bass, drums, synth), Ryan Thomas Carpenter (piano, synth), Camillo Jenny (drums, percussion, synth), Andreas Laudwein (bass), Ollie Samland (pedal steel guitar, synth), Ida Wenoe (backing vocals), and Marlene Lacherstorfer (bass). Notable tracks include: the beautiful tearjerker “Three Chords and the Truth”; the upbeat soulful rocker “It Ain’t Me”; the cheeky title-track; the catchy number “Be Thankful”; the tender “Winterwind”; and the reflective closing track “Ghosts of the Ryman.” While Ian Fisher’s American Standards is a bit overproduced in parts, it is still a good listen. I’d like to see another album like this one but with more polished production choices. – Written by JFelton
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