Reviews & comments

Reviews

Zachary Larson, Radio Airplay:

Driven by an acoustic guitar, Whisky On The Way features fine folk instrumental work from the mandola, cello, and bass. Cellist Neil Johnstone pulls double duty by adding a percussive flavor and melodic lines to the tune. Mandola player Andrew Yearley and bassist Noel Eadie hold down near opposite ends of the sound spectrum and maintain a welcoming groove.

A storyteller at heart, Fish guides listeners through a tale of friendship, love, and tradition. From the point of view of an old man, Whisky On The Way beautifully describes the man's final wishes in the Isle of Harris and his good will for those he loves. Vocally, Alan Fish has a bright, airy tone that welcomes and keeps listeners captivated until the story's end. With the release of Whisky On The Way, Alan Fish establishes himself as a fine songwriter and excellent storyteller.

Alan Fish has managed to turn the somber topics of death and finality into moments of beauty. The heartwarming lyrics, combined with Fish's congenial voice and folksy instrumental work, ease tension and provide a comforting perspective.

Fans of folk music will surely appreciate the tune, but Whisky On The Way can find its way into anyone's heart who has experienced friendship and camaraderie.

Jon Wright, Radio Airplay: 

Alan Fish explores the pitfalls and snares of capitalist materialism in his cleverly arranged and expertly performed tune, Yes Why Not.  Boasting a wealth of skilled performances on a wide but cohesive variety of instruments, Yes Why Not carries the listener through an exciting and ever-shifting musical soundscape with Alan Fish's vocals as the guide, listing example after example of all too relatable scenarios of sucker-dom. Would you like to listen again? Yes Why Not?

The lyrics are the focal point of this song, and the amount of wit within them is impressive! Love the way the instrumentals become chaotic during the line about reducing credit!  Very clever!  The horns that enter during the following solo add a really nice flavor to the sound, as well as the honky-tonk-esque piano entrance at "Would you like music?".  The overall effect of the song is really nice - very pleasant packaging for such a forward anti-capitalist sentiment, and that humor connects.

Fans of brash, unapologetic messages and wild instrumentation will find much to delve into here!  With lyrics that mirror life and a sound that never ceases to surprise, Alan Fish's Yes Why Not is bound to leave a lasting impression - and listeners are sure to respond to it!

Dawn Renton, Johnston Press: 

A smasher of a debut album ... filled with 13 quirky and moving songs each with their own story to tell.  Stand out tracks "Whisky on the Way" and "Mine Tonight" are the perfect folk songs tinged with blues and rock.

Jori Kim, reporting on Live @ The Woodlands:   

The real surprise of the night was Alan Fish's smooth folk set.  "Sinking of the Annie Jane", "Whisky on the Way", "Company" and "Baby's Eyes":  all songs you should give a listen.

Comments

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