Andrew Shier - “Foreign Fixtures”
When “Foreign Fixtures” opened with its smooth and melodic bass riff, we knew we had to have it on the blog. Little did we know that Andrew Shier’s creation would soon unfold into one of the most delightful lo-fi folksy pop songs we’ve heard all year.
Moments later, a drum fill cues the entrance of the rest of the rhythm section and all who hear are sure to be swept away into its sonic oblivion. In the background, an organ soars as we hear the first glimpses of the lyrics. Shier has been blessed with a vocal that will bring you that old familiar glimmer of all your favorite folk singers, while also holding a tone that all his own. It is quite remarkable, from its storytelling to its melody.
When the first harmony arrives at about 45 seconds deep, this song owns you, but it still does not prepare you for Shier’s upper register over the refrain. “Foreign Fixtures” showcases Shier’s magnificent vocal range and control, with each word appearing to be very carefully chosen based upon his inflections.
And we cannot end this review without mentioning the dynamic bridge that occurs around the two-and-half-minute-mark. Songwriters, please take note– these sections of music are often the determining factor on whether or not we listen to your song more than once. And on this glorious occasion, Shier has layered multiple tracks of his vocal on top of one another, while the acoustic guitar pours the foundation and the rest of the instruments follow suit.
100 years from now, when aliens are mining our planet for any remaining resources, we hope that they discover “Foreign Fixtures” and use it to determine that actual artists once lived here.
-TM