Fountain: Talking to Ghosts
EP – Out Now
Digital
Northampton rising garage rock duo, Fountain have released the brilliant new 5 track EP Talking to Ghosts, blending elements of garage rock and blues with some infectiously catchy melodies and 70s rock undertones, the band create a sound as comparable to The Black Keys as it is Queens Of The Stone Age.
Produced by Lee Russell at his Dulcetone studio, the EP packs energy, emotion, and the raw essence of their live performances whilst bringing a radio ready polished edge. Released to coincide with the band’s UK headline tour, the four-track collection embodies the spirit of youthful rebellion and introspection, perfectly blending raucous, blues-infused rock with moments of melodic clarity.
Bursting straight into action with Please, Don’t Do Me Wrong, Fountain immediately introduce the tight crunchy guitar chords, thudding toms and the melodic vocal delivery which stylises their sound. Leaning into the more blues rock side of their sound, the EP’s opener drives forward with a sense of purpose through its addictively catchy vocals to a guitar riff fit of a place in a Joe Bonamassa track whilst also carrying a more current, commercial flare through its sense of urgency and tight, boxy production.
Track 2, Itch brings out more of the heavy-rock influenced side of the bands sound, opening with a biting, distorted and fast paced guitar riff before settling into a vocal line comparable to Humbug era Arctic Monkeys whilst the relentless fast tempo drums and intricate guitar work dances brilliantly. At the midpoint the track switches through a fuzzy synth break before breaking into a half time beat and more grunge guitar tone surrounded by psychedelic reverb soaked vocals. The track closes with a fittingly climactic final iteration of the chorus.
Later into the EP, Carnivore (At the End of the Night) highlights the more 70s rock influenced side of the bands sound with a vocal melody and feel that would be at home on a Led Zep record, while the closing track Sick Wish brings a ferocious sense of headbanging energy and psychedelic rock undertones. Moving between punk influenced alt-rock and the gliding verse vocal melody, which is at once haunting and biting, the track’s spoken chorus emphasises a darker, more intense side to the band’s writing.
Talking about the new EP, the duo explain: “Recorded over the course of 4 months at Lee Russell’s ‘Dulcetone’ studio, inside a chapel, Talking to Ghosts is a story of death and rebirth, bidding farewell to times that passed, whilst welcoming new beginnings; and being in conversation with both sides.”
Bringing a palpable sense of drive and energy, a simplicity through the arrangement, sticking for the most part to their two piece live feel with the addition of some subtle bass, and some fantastic guitar work and tight, punchy drums, the EP showcases everything that Fountain are about. It captures the feel of their live sound in a way that is at once raw and exciting but also manages to highlight some brilliantly crafted, instantly repeatable melodies. It’s an exciting introduction to the duo and displays their future potential.

Follow Fountain
~
All words by Simon Lucas-Hughes. More writing by Simon Lucas-Hughes can be found at his author’s archive.
We have a small favour to ask. Subscribe to Louder Than War and help keep the flame of independent music burning. Click the button below to see the extras you get!