Melbourn/Naarm duo Fountain Lakes release their debut EP Junkyard of Lost Hearts this week.
Fountain Lakes, consisting of Jac Tonks and Emma Heeney, have quietly been building to this EP release since their debut single, Dreams in 2025. Junkyard of Lost Hearts focuses on beautiful harmonies and captivating vocals whilst really expanding the playful side of their songwriting as they experiment with a range of influences across the four tracks.
The EP revolves around the sadder elements of love and relationships. Opening track and first single Castaway draws on a mix of pop, folk and country influences. I love the glorious harmonies in this one and the gentleness of the vocals that feel almost whispered at times. They’re juxtaposed against twangy guitars that bob along setting a soft pace and giving the track a little extra energy. As the title suggests it draws on the theme of being cast away by someone, but cleverly interweaves that lost feeling of being a castaway within that too.
Second track, and new song Medicated Love feels much more jazz and soulful. I love the way the vocals dominate this one. Thematically, it took me to a similar place to Florence Welch’s Buckle, the idea of unrequited love and specifically giving too much of yourself to someone before realising the situation isn’t what you thought it was once you’re already in too deep. I’m not entirely certain that’s the specific intention of the song but it’s certainly the feelings it evoked within me. It also has some wonderful lyrics: “scooping up the crumbs and the stars that fell from your eyes” in particular was a line that hit me hard.
Third song and popular single Cry Wolf is built around jangly, country guitars alongside a more ethereal feel. We featured this one on Songs To Brush Your Teeth To and I still love how it gently carries you away as it explores loneliness. For me it’s the most mysterious of the tracks on the record, and I’ve flipped flopped between it being the story of someone whose friends really have turned their back on them because they “cried wolf” too often or just that internal dialogue of feeling like a burden when you’re going through a difficult time.
Rounding out the record is title track Junkyard of Lost Hearts. This 60s inspired track blends smooth guitar layers with punchier drums making it feel rockier than the rest of the record. On first listen it stood out as my favourite because I loved their reimagining of such a popular music style. I still do love this about the track, but as I’ve listened to the tracks more deeply, Medicated Love’s clever lyrics just edged it out as my favourite on the release! Nonetheless it’s a strong ending to a well rounded debut.
Fountain Lakes are celebrating the release with a hometown show on 14th August at the Railway Hotel.
More information about Fountain Lakes and the show here.