City Fritter-From The Ocean To The Desert CD Review
City Fritter
From The Ocean To The Desert
**
There’s talent in there somewhere but it’s very well hidden in a well of mediocrity
On City Fritter’s website biography it says they’re an amalgam of all the best elements of country, folk and classic rock. It also says they’ve played at some of California’s most prestigious clubs and even have a monthly residency at The Liquid Lounge in Long Beach. Apparently, audiences respond with feverish enthusiasm to their ‘unique’ sound and boundless stage presence.
Now if that’s the case, why, when I put this CD in the player and spun it more than once, did I come away with an empty, hollow feeling? Good things are there, of that there is no doubt; the playing is crisp (although hardly inventive), Jewels Nation
(Is that really her name?), has a strong country kick to her voice, and although partner Johnny Nation doesn’t have much of a range to speak of, he and Jewel do have something going for them when they harmonise. The problem lies with the songs, their clichéd lyrics, the wooden choruses and the instantly forgettable melodies. A good song captures the imagination and makes you reach for the repeat button, it doesn’t make you reach over in a hurry to whack ‘skip’—something I found myself doing on more than one occasion.
I’m sure City Fritter (another problem; the name rolls off the tongue but it hints at nothing) are a fine live act, but it hasn’t translated well to the studio. They need to sharpen up the song-writing and leave the lead vocals to Jewels…and trust me, whoever said that classic rock plays a part in their sound is a liar! Drew Hobbs