Fontaines D.C. Unveils Their Boldest Album Yet: ROMANCE
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Irish post-punk sensation Fontaines D.C. is set to release their highly anticipated fourth studio album, ROMANCE, on August 23rd, 2024. This new record marks a significant evolution in their sound, building on the success of their critically acclaimed 2022 album Skinty Fia, which topped charts in both the UK and Ireland and earned them the prestigious Brit Award for International Group. Produced by James Ford, ROMANCE is an exploration of new sonic territories, blending post-punk grit with elements of electronica, hip-hop, and dreamy shoegaze, reflecting the band’s growth and experimentation since their formation in Dublin a decade ago.
The journey to ROMANCE began in the aftermath of an intense period of touring and personal growth for the band members. Frontman Grian Chatten, along with Carlos O’Connell, Conor Curley, Conor Deegan III, and Tom Coll, found themselves drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences while on the road, including artists like Shygirl, Sega Bodega, and hip-hop legends like Mos Def and OutKast. These diverse influences have shaped the band’s new direction, leading to an album that not only showcases their signature raw energy but also introduces new textures and complexities to their music.
The lead single “Starburster” sets the tone for the album with its propulsive beat and intense lyrics, inspired by a personal experience of anxiety that Chatten endured at London’s St Pancras station. The song’s frenetic energy and sharp intakes of breath create a palpable sense of urgency, underscored by a cinematic music video directed by Aube Perrie. This track, along with others on the album, reflects a thematic shift for Fontaines D.C., as they explore the tension between fantasy and reality, love in the face of chaos, and the preciousness of fleeting moments amidst a backdrop of societal and technological decay.
The recording process for ROMANCE was as immersive as the themes it explores. After a period of individual exploration and personal milestones—O’Connell became a father and spent time in Spain, Chatten found inspiration in Los Angeles, and Deegan experienced life in Paris—the band reconvened in a North London studio. The final recordings took place in a chateau near Paris, where the band lived among their instruments, allowing the music to evolve organically in a secluded and focused environment. This approach has resulted in what the band members describe as their most ambitious and sonically adventurous record to date.
As ROMANCE prepares to make its mark, Fontaines D.C. is gearing up for a global tour, with performances scheduled at major festivals like Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds. The album’s release will not only solidify their place as one of the most innovative bands in the post-punk scene but also introduce their evolving sound to an even broader audience. As the band continues to push the boundaries of their music, ROMANCE stands as a testament to their creative evolution and the ever-present tension between the world we inhabit and the fantasies we escape to.
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