By Andy Mascola 08.27.2024
Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. has released their highly anticipated fourth studio album, Romance. Following the success of their 2022 album Skinty Fia, which topped the charts in Ireland, England, and Scotland, the group has undergone notable changes by relocating from Dublin to London and transitioning from indie label Partisan to the prominent XL Recordings.
Romance is perceived as a pivotal moment in Fontaines D.C.'s career, marking their evolution from emerging artists to a group with an extensive global platform. The band has seen significant recognition, including a Brit Award for International Group, highlighting their impact on the music scene since their debut in 2019.
The title track, Romance, launches the album with a gradual build featuring dark tones and moody synths. Vocalist Grian Chatten’s delivery shifts from a comparison to Mark E. Smith to more melancholic melodies. Additionally, the follow-up track, Starburster, showcases an upbeat vibe with a lyric emphasizing fleeting pleasures.
The album's sound evolves through tracks like Here's the Thing, which embraces a synth-driven alt-rock style, while the overall mood remains consistent with slow-burning ballads and mid-tempo songs complemented by emotive string arrangements and textured vocal harmonies. Noteworthy tunes such as Sundowner, Motorcycle Boy, and Horseness Is the Whatness form a mellow and reflective trilogy in the latter part of the album.
Ending with Death Kink and the optimistic Favourite, the album straddles the line between grungy and sprightly tones. While Romance might not feature a track as catchy as Jackie Down the Line from their previous album, it compensates with its heartfelt substance and narrative depth. Romance is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms, marking a new chapter for Fontaines D.C. as they solidify their legacy in the post-punk genre.
For additional details, visit their official page here.