Romance Fontaines D.C.

‘Romance’ is Fontaines D.C.’s first album with producer James Ford and is without doubt their most assured, inventive and sonically adventurous record yet. It’s set to build on the success of the Dublin-made, now London-based band’s acclaimed 2022 album, ‘Skinty Fia’, which reached Number One in the UK and Irish Album Charts and saw the band receiving a host of accolades including International Group Of The Year at the 2023 BRIT Awards.

‘Romance’ is Fontaines D.C.’s most ambitious, expansive 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’. These ideas crystalised while touring the US and Mexico with Arctic Monkeys as the five band members shared music and found a throughline with artists that deftly build out their own sprawling creative worlds: the attitude and aesthetic sheen of artists like Shygirl and Sega Bodega, the bolshy sonic palettes of hip-hop and heavy metal, Mos Def, A$AP Ferg, OutKast
and Korn. 

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. But any “retro aesthetic,” as Chatten describes it, is left behind. Reflecting on the impending release, 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.” The fantasy is felt for better or worse, and Fontaines D.C. welcome either end of oblivion.

Available to pre-order on 'indies only' limited pink vinyl.

Released on August 24th 2024.