Fontaines D.C.: Romance [Album Review]

Album Overview: Fontaines D.C. emerged from Dublin, quickly establishing themselves with a gritty, post-punk sound that earned critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Their early records, including the Mercury Prize-nominated Dogrel (2019) and the GRAMMY-nominated A Hero’s Death (2020), explored themes of Irish identity and dislocation. Skinty Fia (2022), their third album, marked a shift as they began to reflect more broadly on cultural displacement and their experiences as Irish expatriates. Now based in London, the band continues to push their creative boundaries. Romance represents a significant artistic evolution for Fontaines D.C., showcasing a more expansive and experimental approach compared to their earlier work. The album reflects the band’s growing maturity, with each member contributing to a richer, more layered sound. Thematically, Romance explores the idea of love and idealism amidst chaos, capturing a sense of urgency and existential reflection. With producer James Ford at the helm, the band crafts a record that balances introspection with sonic adventure. Romance sounds bigger for sure as each song has the ability to play to large audiences at large venues. This approach shouldn’t scare old fans as Fontaines D.C. retain an snarky edge that gives each song a cool swagger and high replay value.

Musical Style: The album departs from the band’s earlier post-punk roots, embracing a broader range of influences. Grungier rhythms, dystopian electronic elements, and hip-hop beats intersect with atmospheric shoegaze textures, creating a sound that is both expansive and intense. The result is a dynamic fusion of styles that reflects the band’s willingness to experiment and take risks.

Evolution of Sound: Fontaines D.C.’s sound has grown progressively more layered and nuanced with each album. From the raw energy of Dogrel to the introspective depth of A Hero’s Death and the dislocated themes of Skinty Fia, Romance marks another leap forward. The band incorporates diverse musical influences, blending them seamlessly into their evolving soundscape. The shift towards electronic and hip-hop elements, combined with grungier undertones, reflects their continuing evolution.

Artists with Similar Fire: Listeners can find all kind of parallels with a bunch of artists in different genres that range from Slowdive, whose dreamy textures are echoed in some tracks with the rhythmic intensity and attitude of The Prodigy. The band also has also created a more stylistic indie rock of their own that rubs elbows with bands like Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and Omni.

Pivotal Tracks: “Starburster,” the album’s lead single, stands out for its intensity and the visceral imagery it evokes. Other key tracks include the big catchy “Here’s The Thing” that swoops and sways with attitude while “In The Modern World” best exemplifies the band’s blending of genres, showcasing their adventurous new sound while maintaining a strong emotional core. The closing track “Favourite,” is a mid-tempo track that captures the band in its best form as it blends their post-punk style with a 90’s indie sounding summer.

Lyrical Strength: Lyrically, Romance continues Fontaines D.C.’s tradition of weaving complex, evocative narratives. The album touches on themes of love, identity, and existentialism, offering poignant reflections on the human condition. The lyrics are crafted with an eye toward both personal and universal experiences, providing a rich tapestry of meaning that complements the album’s diverse sound.

FONTAINES D.C. REVIEW HISTORYA Hero’s Death (2020)

FONTAINES D.C. LINKSWebsite | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | XL Recordings