Country Fried, Nowhere No More (Independent)


There’s only so many clichés a band can toss in a song until it becomes downright silly. Country Fried have perfected this art on their debut. Unfortunately, it’s uncertain if this was intentional or just ridiculously unimaginative. Cowpokes, whiskey, saloons, derelict trains as well as derelict women all figure prominently in this homage to dusty country & western music. The one thing they forgot was the melodies. Most of the tunes on Nowhere No More ramble idly by without notice, shuffling along in a meandering loping pattern with very little in the way of hooks or even choruses. Story songs of outlaws and ungrateful women take up the majority of the lyrical themes with exception to a rather goofy song with an Afro as its protagonist and another about a loyal canine entitled “Me and My Bitch.” Country Fried does provide some nice sleepy front porch moments, like on the Kris Kristofferson number “Josie” and the trail ride harmonies on the Johnny Mercer classic “Old Cowhand,” but it’s notable that the two highlights are covers. Country Fried display some fine picking and strumming throughout their debut, but they’ll have to rassle with that whole “songwriting thing” next time around.