by Tom Gallo (@lookatmyrecords)
We’re excited to premiere “Crosstown,” the debut single from Minneapolis’ Split Fountain, and the accompanying video. The project is the latest endeavor from songwriter Jordan Bleau (who previously played in bands like GLOSS, Frankie Teardrop, and Cheap Fantasy), and features Rose von Muchow on bass/vocals and Fez Felzan on drums. On their debut release, the band hones in on a rugged power-pop sound that’s endearingly a little rough around the edges and undeniably catchy. “Crosstown” features the kind of jangly guitars found on your favorite R.E.M. songs, but with an additional dash of alt-country flair. Right from the outset, the song dives into a hook-infused guitar strum that receives an additional jolt from Bleau’s exuberant voice, as he sings about the importance of staying in one place, both physically and emotionally. The endlessly hooky track simply doesn’t let up until the final harmonies settle in.
Through a hazy viewpoint, the video centers on the trio’s travels and shenanigans in their Chevy tour van. The grainy video has a nostalgic effect with warm shots of the band crammed in the back of their van playing their instruments with passion, spread out in an open field jamming, and just driving around. There are also a few fun scenes of the three frantically running with their instruments in tow and Felzan tapping along up on a tree branch.
“Crosstown” is the title track from Split Fountain’s forthcoming debut EP, which is set for release on August 14th via Forged Artifacts. All proceeds of this EP will be donated to Commusication in St. Paul, MN, which seeks to "empower urban youth with skills for success through music, service and community."