Rating:   28 Ratings     12345  

The Wedding Present Take Fountain Manifesto Records

      Quite frankly, one track says it all. The album begins with current single, "Interstate 5": breath-taking, spine-tingling, the absolute works. The extended version of the song included on the US version is just barely over eight minutes in length, and is ever-so enchanting. There just hasn’t been a record release this brilliant since jj72’s self-titled debut in the fall of 2000.

      The members of The Wedding Present, though different than before, now consist of Simon Cleave (guitar), Terry de Castro (bass), Kari Paavola (drums) and Gedge (guitar, vocals).

      This is too good to be true! Twenty years has obviously provided this band with an incredible amount of knowledge and experience. Gedge’s voice is utterly charming and charismatic, and the musical arrangement is alarmingly beautiful and serene. The guitars, the drums -- everything leads into an emotional journey that sparks the very heartstrings and empathy one has for another. Bono wishes he could create an album such as this.

      "Always The Quiet One" is fast-paced, upbeat and full of unrequited feelings. A lively tune, Gedge soulfully sings of his love for a woman that he is too shy to actually approach and engage in conversation with. In this track, the lyrics flow into the music, the music blends into Gedge’s voice, and altogether it becomes a masterpiece.

      The band is so humble, with gentle lyrics that are truthful and full of blissful romance. Take Fountain appears as a collection of love letters and journal entries sung aloud and accompanied by guitars. It’s relaxing, thoughtful and especially awe-inspiring. The Wedding Present is so incredibly talented and unique, yet there have been songs and albums like this before. What sets this group apart from all the rest is their ability to generate such emotion -- uplifting and rejoiceful -- accompanied with a powerful voice. Dynamic guitarwork and lively drum beats on Ringway to Seatac are more than enough to dance to, not to mention lovely backing vocals by Paavola.

      "Don’t Touch That Dial" is a dreamy tune, with melodic finger-picking and ravishing vocals once again by Gedge and Paavola. Reality snaps in with the first few strums of a continuous, standout, driving riff that slowly fades into the next track.

      Delve into Gedge’s heart and soul with Take Fountain and cross fingers that the band continues to stick around. There’s no need to nitpick and skim through any tracks -- listen and admire its entirety. There are no disappointments, and no drawbacks. Take Fountain is a timeless masterpiece; and these indie godfathers are the gift that keeps on giving.

-Arie Musil 02/19/05