“The Fountain” instrumental from Nashville’s Pet Envy couldn’t be more aptly named. Capturing the roller emotions of a relationship or even just splashing the listener with a range of sounds and beats, Pet Envy creates an envious sound in this vibrant instrumental. Playing out like the soundtrack to a John Hughes film through the modern lens of say Instagram or TikTok, “The Fountain” unleashes quirky and lush wavelengths that sound and feel oh-so neon ultra-retro cool. Who needs lyrics when the score is running through your brain? I’m crushing on this track.
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Leaning into the song, the first few moments are quite the buildup. Then, just when you think someone accidently hit the pause button or it’s even ended, another round of textures and sounds emerge. What drove me to keep listening, besides the fact that I’m a total sucker for synth, is that the flow of the song reminded me of meeting at the cross section of Alphaville (“Forever Young”), The Psychedelic Furs and The Weeknd. I heard a lot of harmony and ceremony in the waves that were colliding. This song has rivers and valleys that it creates – maneuvering their way around an array of fleur-de-lis-like imagery. I think the beats are bold, striking enough to make their marks. At the same time, they melt just like butter once they’ve been released, seemingly dissipating into the air. It’s a wonderful energy.
That ethereal sound is definitely pop electronica. I didn’t get the New Age vibe with this. Perhaps the sound has a bit of a slight edge to it, again, mirroring the heartache and euphoria of being in love. This song spoke to me as the trials and tribulations of being in a relationship that has you craving for more, whereas the other person is just bouncing off those feelings. Not giving back entirely what you want, and what you expect. It’s the feeling of trying to go to bed at night, tossing and turning, not being able to escape them. Then, the next night, you see them. That nocturnal instinct kicks in, and the soundtrack playing in your head is this song. You feed off of it, you want to suck every last drip down your gullet. The dropping beats, like that pit in your stomach when you’re in love, abound in this track.
I loved the way “The Fountain” triggered my emotions. This song cultivated a myriad of thoughts and images after just a few listens. It was unexpected and completely captivating. Did I mention you can dance to it too? The swoops and sways it conveys is audacious. I wanted to live inside the sonic walls, and escape for hours. I was completely entertained and gripped by the swath of melodies and flow found in “The Fountain”. It tells a story, albeit without lyrics, that touched my soul and my mind. I think it all added up and I’m pleased to pass along that the journey is well-worth the ride. “The Fountain” is one of 2021’s best singles of any genre. I’m anxiously awaiting their next single.
Claire Uebelacker