John Fiddler

John Fiddler, singer/songwriter from Medicine Head, released this, his first solo album, in 1991 – following the demise of British Lions in the 70’s, and Box Of Frogs in the 80’s, both of whom he fronted.

State Of The Heart was released on cassette only, and it is thanks to the magic touch of Angel Air Records that this long out of print album has been re-mastered for the new CD release. It includes some classic numbers which are today part of Fiddler’s live set, amongst them songs which he initially wrote with The Stranglers in mind.
That’s another story of course, and it goes something like this: Fiddler had a call from his management, asking him whether he would like to join The Stranglers… admittedly not a band that immediately springs to mind in connection with John Fiddler. Long story short, the Stranglers then decided they wanted to write themselves after all and opt for a different direction. That was bad news for Fiddler, but good news for us, because he continued writing songs, and State Of The Heart was the result.

The songs are in the classic rock / power ballads vein, with some excellent guitar and keyboards input by the master himself. Fiddler also performs lead vocal duties. Additional musicians on some of the tracks are Duncan Mackay (keys), Laurence Archer (lead guitar), and Lou Stonebridge (backing vocals).

Opener ‘Strong Heart’ is one of those power ballads, with Fiddler announcing “I have always believed in love and trust” before the full hog kicks in, emphasis on slick guitars, slick backing vox and a touchy-feely chorus. It’s a number you might expect to hear on Heart FM or similar radio stations – glossy and smooth.
‘Win Or Lose’ should be an anthem for love birds the world over, and Fiddler makes full use of the emotional range (both musically as well as vocally) a composition of this genre has to offer.

Track three is slightly edgier, and it’s no surprise given the fact that ‘Only The Roses’ is one of the songs that Fiddler wrote with The Stranglers in mind. It‘s the keyboards that underpin his vocals, although the keys sound here is more reminiscent of 80’s synthpop outfits (think Yazoo), bearing less of a Stranglers style assault. Lyrically speaking though, I can certainly imagine Monsieur Burnel singing “Well I was livin’ in Suicide City / Watchin’ The Days Go By / Feelin’ Wasted, Couldn’t Take It…” had the Fiddler-Strangler collaboration come to fruition.

We get another fine fusion ballad with the catchy ‘Time Will Tell’, and although the overall composition leans towards the safe side, it full of soulful optimism and a poppy rhythm. A lovely guitar solo reminds us that Fiddler is blessed with the gift of the garb, and the backing vocals add spice.

On to my favourite track, ‘Who Is having Fun?’ which I love because of its multi-layered arrangement, combining elements of rock with funk and a little rap even! With its choppy upbeat pace, the verse part of the song reminds ever so slightly of Dylan’s ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’, before funky stomps take over the chorus. Caribbean steel band-hued keys and juicy riffs round up this winner. Hey na na na na, someone’s had fun with this one!

It’s back to Soul City with ‘It’s Love That Really Counts’, and while it won’t set anything ablaze, we’re still talking good old-fashioned, solid rock balladry. Still, a little difficult to imagine that this number stems from the same man who fronted Medicine Man.

‘Gimme Blue Skies’, ‘Hearts Of Fire’ and ‘When I Looked Away’ is another trio written with The Stranglers is mind, and you can tell because once again, it’s a strong keyboard sound that’s at the forefront, as opposed to scorching riff work. The first one is the mellower out of the three, while it’s a penetrating synthesizer that infuses ‘Hearts Of Fire’ with a little grit.

Don’t be fooled when it comes to ‘Sex In The 90s’. The cheerful and seductive tune belies the song’s dark topic… “Now you might get what you don’t wanna get / Because sex in the 90’s is just like Russian Roulette.” Draw your own conclusions!

The slight country-tinged intro of ‘Everybody Has The Blues (Sometimes)’ quickly gives way to harmony-laden sentiments, while on closing track ‘Where’s Heaven Now’ it’s the organic harmonica that provides folky elements and some counterbalance to an otherwise generic framework.

State Of The Heart is a musical slice of mood, emotions, and finely tuned texture and flavours. Enjoy with a glass of chilled rosé and a box of bitter-sweet chocolates.

(Please read my interview with John Fiddler in our ‘Interviews’ section)