The Wedding Present are one of the most successful independent bands in Britain. They have had 17 Top 40 Singles in the UK and in 1992 they had 12 charting singles which tied the record for "most hits in one year" with the legendary Elvis Presley. They have released albums on RCA, Island, and Cooking Vinyl (prior to their independence). This is the band's first release since 1996 and it is produced by Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Screaming Trees, and Soundgarden among others).
Now that all the mumbo jumbo is out of the way, let it be known that Take Fountain is a breath of fresh air for modern music. While the band plays (and sticks to) a sort of mid-tempo, early 90's alternative rock sound that some listeners may see as sounding "dated" the band plays with the same conviction that drew legions of fans to bands like Concrete Blonde, Screaming Trees, and The Pixies years ago. Songs like "Larry's" and the albums opening track "Interstate 5" have a certain spark to them that is rarely heard in the new breed of alternative rock musicians. The circular movement of "Ringway to Seatac" proves the band is not afraid to make you feel good about yourself, or afraid to rock. The band never clutters their songs with useless pieces that make it sound "more complicated" or "sets the mood", they have a point to get to and they go right for it.
This is a really good album that anyone that enjoys anything from Elvis Costello to Eisley will find a lot to love about. This is a band who knows how to write a good song and they deliver 10 of them in a row. This is a fine return to form. I hope we don't have to wait 8 years for the next one.
4/4
