Reb Fountain – Faithless Lover (2023)
Described as “unleashed and unafraid” (Sunday Star Times), possessing “…a crystalline vocal that’s as stunning as it is assured” (American Songwriter), and “mesmerising and captivating…” (Rolling Stone), singer-songwriter Reb Fountain is a powerhouse artist. From her engaging and enthusiastic performances to her imaginative original releases, Fountain turns heads of audiences far beyond her New Zealand borders. Along with turning heads, Reb Fountain already has some serious gravity to her name winning awards, performing with notable musicians like Crowded House, and touring on an international scale.
The first release since her well-received album IRIS, Reb Fountain returns to the music scene with her single ‘Faithless Lover’. This is my introduction to Fountain and at first, I considered her reminiscent of Nick Cave with hints of Sinead O’Connor seeping through the melody; however, as ‘Faithless Lover’ continued, I became aware that Reb Fountain has a signature style as a completely original individual.
As with ‘Iris’, ‘Faithless Lover’ retains an intimate quality to the single. The thing is, ‘Faithless Lover’ presents a more sophisticated wistfulness seemingly showing growth as an artist. Whimsical and haunting, listening to the single is like being led by Fountain through a sonic forest but with a creepiness wafting through the haze. A melancholic combination of drums, guitar, interspersed piano and strings, there is a spine-chilling sensation to the wistful melody. Yet, while you find yourself lost in the wispy layer of fog, the crescendo from drums to strings sets your soul soaring moving from one plain of being to another. Produced with frequent collaborator and bandmate Dave Kahn, ‘Faithless Lover’ entwines intriguing beats with an ethereal, otherworldly soundscape.
Just as the strings overpower the melody adding a symphonic twist to ‘Faithless Lover’, the poetic lyricism brings a darker feeling to the single. Fountain’s husky vocals give life to the desperate content elegantly capturing the theme of self-transformation.
“We are close; so close to ourselves it’s uncomfortable. Falling in love with illusions that serve the ego but not the heart. ‘Faithless Lover’ tells a tale of mutiny, coming alive to oneself…in vulnerability and beyond fear. I want that; to transform the stories that bind us and wake up in rebellion.” – Reb Fountain on ‘Faithless Lover’
Bringing her chilling sound to the masses, Reb Fountain has a tour in the UK this May. For more information on her events, check out her official website.
To learn more about Reb Fountain, head to her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup. #sustainablecurator
