Fontaines D.C. – A Hero’s Death

Review

Fontaines D.C.'s "A Hero's Death" is like that second date where you realize the person you're seeing has hidden depths. This follow-up to their debut "Dogrel" takes a sharp left turn into dreamier, more psychedelic territory. It's as if the lads decided to swap their pints for some magic mushrooms and see what happened. The result? A sonic journey that'll have you questioning your existence one minute and bopping your head the next.

Producer Dan Carey must've slipped something in the studio water, because the band's sound has evolved faster than a Pokémon on steroids. They've gone from straight-up post-punk to crafting tunes that would make Brian Wilson raise an eyebrow. The title track "A Hero's Death" and "Televised Mind" are standouts that'll stick in your brain like that embarrassing thing you said at a party five years ago. Critics are falling over themselves to praise this album, with some even dishing out perfect scores. But hey, let's not get carried away - it's great, but it's not going to cure cancer or make your crush text you back. - Leo