Is Take Fountain a good place to start with The Wedding Present?

Yes, Take Fountain is recommended as a starting point for new The Wedding Present listeners. A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and reflective lyrics, capturing the essence of indie rock's melodic heart. Released in 2005, Take Fountain is The Wedding Present's first album in nearly a decade, following their hiatus after 1996's Saturnalia. This album marked a return to form for the band, showcasing their signature sound while also embracing new influences. It was an important moment for the group as they re-established themselves in the evolving indie rock landscape.

Who is Take Fountain for?

Take Fountain works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, introspective themes for quiet times and melodic hooks for thoughtful listening.

How many songs are on Take Fountain?

Take Fountain has 11 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Take Fountain

The Wedding Present · 2005

46 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and reflective lyrics, capturing the essence of indie rock's melodic heart.

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Top tracks — play these first

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On Ramp Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Interstate 5 (extended version) — This track encapsulates the album's reflective mood, using extended instrumentation to create an immersive experience that showcases the band's growth.
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I'm From Further North Than You — With its catchy hook and engaging storytelling, this song exemplifies The Wedding Present’s knack for blending personal narrative with anthemic melodies.
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Mars Sparkles Down on Me — This track features lush instrumentals and introspective lyrics, offering a poignant moment that highlights the album's emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brisk tempo on 'On Ramp' and maintains a consistent energy level through the first half, before slowing down in the latter tracks.
Several songs feature layered guitar melodies that intertwine, creating a rich texture while the vocals often deliver introspective lyrics.
The track 'Always the Quiet One' features a notable shift in dynamics, using quieter verses that build into more explosive choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
introspective themes for quiet times
melodic hooks for thoughtful listening
consistent flow for focused sessions

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party vibes
prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a long hiatus, reconnecting with fans and showcasing continued vitality.
Themes: California highways· nostalgic reflections· indie rock revival
Career context: Released in 2005, Take Fountain is The Wedding Present's first album in nearly a decade, following their hiatus after 1996's Saturnalia. This album marked a return to form for the band, showcasing their signature sound while also embracing new influences. It was an important moment for the group as they re-established themselves in the evolving indie rock landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: The House of Love· Ride· Lush