I have been thoroughly enjoying this album for approximately two weeks, possibly longer. So where should I start?

The fine musicianship? The excellent guitar work? The consistency in the high caliber of songwriting? How much I love the Celtic infusion? Is this a drinking album? A heartbreak album? What does Ne Parcas Nec Spernas mean anyway?

Let’s start with the basics, or more appropriately the core. A search for Ne Parcas Nec Spernas returns the crest and description of the Highland Scottish clan, Clan Lamont which is said to descend from Ánrothán Ua Néill, an Irish prince of the O’Neill dynasty.

So that explains the Celtic infusion.

I stopped drinking some time ago (I’ve lost count of how long). However, if I were to go on an alcohol bender, this album would be my soundtrack. From beginning to end (12 tracks total), each song seamlessly transitions into the next leading us on an intense and emotional 35 minute sonic journey of passionate performances.

It’s definitely an album worth drinking to.

Thinking back on all my major heartaches in life and how I would feel about any future ones, Ne Parcas Nec Spernas appropriately captures the essence of experiencing love, losing it and the agonizing process that follows such an event. Some good old fashioned heartache piled on top of a night of heavy drinking definitely lends itself to pumping this album at full volume…possibly on repeat depending on how long the drinks are being poured.

Is it a breakup album? I can’t really say for sure without asking Jason (I interviewed him by the way), but if I were experiencing heartache, particularly one caused by lost love, this album would definitely be blasting in the background as I processed the aforementioned heartache.

Jason Fountain has grown on me over the last couple of weeks. The more I listen to the album, the more and more I find myself enjoying it.

I highly (highly) encourage you to take the time to listen to Ne Parcas Ne Spernas in its entirety. However, if you only have time to check out one song, here are my top picks: Succubus (great guitar work, catchy melodies), Nice Girl (I really enjoy the vibe of the song and the lyrical substance), Train Wreck (great energy, great lyrics, love the hook), Die in Your Arms (great melodies, great lyrics, love the energy), Goodbye Tennessee (the perfect ending for a heartache album).

Jason Fountain, you’ve turned this dude into a new fan. Salute to you, sir!

Maybe my family (father’s side) tracing itself back to 14th Century Scotland makes me bias in some subconscious way or explains why these songs resonate with my core… Even with that said, one can’t deny Jason creates great songs with easily memorable hooks, infectious melodies and a level of energy and passion unmatched by most.

Check out my interview with Jason Fountain. Connect with him on FB.

Listen to Ne Parcas Nec Spernas on Spotify or CD Baby.

And for the translation of the album title from Latin to English: “Neither despise nor fear” or “Neither spare nor scorn”.

Rock and Roll!