THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Romance is Fontaines D.C.’s most ambitious record yet, its 11 tracks constellating ideas that have been percolating among Grian Chatten (vocals), Carlos O’Connell (guitar), Conor Curley (guitar), Conor Deegan (bass) and Tom Coll (drums) since they released Skinty Fia in 2022.
The sonic evolution of the band, who bared their teeth in early records with antagonistic punk sensibilities, is an ascent into grungier breaks, dystopian electronica, hip-hop percussion, and dreamy Slowdive-esque textures that may surprise fans. The shoegaze touchpoints first pressed on Skinty Fia unfold on Romance like a purpling bruise. Working with Simian Mobile Disco’s James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Blur) in the producer’s chair, the band left behind any “retro aesthetic,” as Chatten says. “We say things on this record we’ve wanted to say for a long time. I never feel like it’s over, but it’s nice to feel lighter.”
Here’s The Thing was written days before the band entered the studio to record the album. It leads with mechanical, mutant guitar sounds a la Placebo and an electronic expressiveness reminiscent of Shygirl and Eartheater. “It’s an anxious tune that twists and turns in what it wants, back and forth between pain and numbness,” Chatten describes. It’s an urgent song, searching for autonomy in emotional extremes. The accompanying video by filmmaker Luna Carmoon (Hoard, Shagbands) perfectly encapsulates the song’s intense feelings and paranoia. Channeling the essence of teen-horror films like The Lost Boys and Phenomena, the video immerses us in a traditional Irish dancing competition, where chaos triumphs, unraveling through a uniquely haunting lens.
In April, Fontaines D.C. released Starburster, the bombastic first track from the album. It was accompanied by a much-talked about video from Aube-Perrie, a conceptual world that continues to unfold. The follow-up single and shimmering finalé Favourite has grown into a firm fan favourite following its live debut in April. Together with the more recent single Here’s The Thing, it offers fans a glimpse into the expansive, experimental record.”
