1. CMJ Review:

Skidmore Fountain “Break” (Triple R)

“On their sophomore record, Brooklyn’s Skidmore Fountain sprays out poppy streams of alt-rock with surprising dexterity. Although they stamp their ’90s forbearer’s logo on their album’s blueprint, the quartet builds on that with an eclectic architecture. Jagged, reggae-inflected guitars coverage with contemporary jazz chord changes in, “Get Away?” while “Dance Political” finds the band channeling a King-Tubby-produced B-52s. Electric cellist Topu Lyo lends orchestral bombasts to “And It Matters” and ambient whimsy to “Lost and Lonely.” Randy Bergida belts out sleek vocal melodies with breathy confidence, and the loungey “Lost and Lonely” will inspire countless make-out sessions and the gobs of catchy choruses seem destined for crowd shout-alongs.”

Web: www.skidmorefountain.com

RIYL: Counting Crows, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime

Key Tracks: “Break,” “Blur,” “Lost and Lonely”

Of Note: Break’s producer Ken Lewis, has mixed Grammy-winning albums by Kanye, Usher and CeCe Wynans

2. UP AGAINST THE WALL

Skidmore Fountain is one of those bands that is too modern to be considered classic rock and too classic to be considered modern rock. They fall somewhere in between, like the Killers. They don’t offer as many catchy hooks as the Killers, but they offer straight-ahead rock with some added depth.

Hailing from Brooklyn by way of Tucson, Ariz., and Portland, Ore., the band contains two classically trained instrumentalists, including Topu Lyo on five-string electric cello. Producer Ken Lewis, who has produced John Legend and the Beastie Boys, adds a certain amount of polish to the band’s sophomore release. Randy Bergida has a great rock and roll voice—ranging from a Johnny Rotten snarl to a David Bowie falsetto. Plus this is a band that is not afraid to ask the important questions, such as: “If you could get up from lightning/Would you get off from lightning?” (“Lightning”). I don’t know what it means either, but it sure is fun imagining possibilities.

Album Release – April 24th : www.skidmorefountain.com

3. PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS

Skidmore Fountain: Edgy indie rockers stretch the parameters with tremulous vocals,

off-kilter tunes and an interesting band set-up featuring five-string electric cello. In another age, these guys would be getting a major label push, but hey, times are tough. Grape Street Philadelphia, 4100 Main St., 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, $5, 215-483-7084,

grapestreet.com.

4. RADIO FREE DAVID BLOG

Notorious LIZ scours high and she scours low and all along the way she turns up

some real gems; today is another great pick from her: Skidmore Fountain.

Skidmore Fountain is not your typical “rock” band and their sound is a little difficult to describe, but “very good” goes a long way to that end. Skidmore Fountain is made up of Randy Bergida, Steven Cohen, and Dylan Wissing: being Brooklyn based, they’ve played at some awesome NYC venues (CBGBs, Knitting Factory, the Bitter End and Piano’s). Skidmore Fountain is really coming into their sound with Break, their second album. We’re happy to feature the title cut Break in our rotation.

5. MUSIC MORSELS JUNE 2007 EDITION

Brooklyn has some tough neighborhoods, and Skidmore Fountain reflects that with music that feels, not just sounds tough. There is a kinder gentler side as well, but even those passages have a coarseness that grips you, and they are often sandwiched by grittier bridges. Witness the highly creative “Blur” and you will get the picture. The band stretches songwriting boundaries further on the twisted blues of “Lost and Lonely” and the rootsy punk of the title track. A lot of inventive and enjoyable music here. URL: http://www.skidmorefountain.com