The Patti Fiasco – The Patti Fiasco

By Erik Myers
The Patti Fiasco shows its heart at the halfway mark on their full-length debut: “Didja know, Wyoming is for lovers?” Hearing it from the talented Alysia Kraft, one is willing to believe that there might be more to the state than geysers and Dick Cheney. Her croon, hearty and full of aplomb, is very convincing.
Even though “Wyoming Is For Lovers” has a chorus that begins with the nearly obnoxious howling of “Wyo-ooo-oooh-Wyo-oh-whoa-ming,” it will inspire fans outside of the country rock band’s home state – an important benchmark now that they reside in Fort Collins.
Love is a main theme on the album, and whether it’s directed toward man, woman or state, The Patti Fiasco runs through all of its highs and lows. There’s nothing overtly fresh about these observations, but it doesn’t matter when the music is this good.
It helps too that Kraft possesses a clever sense of lyricism to go along with her stiletto-sharp vocal delivery. The rambunctious narrative of “Someone Tell Me” follows a mischievous pair from their chance meeting in a karaoke bar to a frisky skinny dipping session which ends when “The Brady Bunch” shows up. There’s a fun scenario.
Also worthy of mention are the performances of Dee Tyler on guitar and Ansel Foxley on electric dobro – both musicians’ talents are particularly enjoyable when untethered. They’re clearly having the most fun on “Electric Smile,” a meaty garage rock number that begins with a tense sustained note opening and peaks with effects pedals during the psychedelic bridge.
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