Review
Forget everything you thought you knew about Fontaines D.C., 'cause their fourth album 'Romance' is about to flip the script. Dropped on August 23, 2024, this bad boy is their first rodeo with XL Recordings after ditching Partisan. And let me tell you, they've gone full-on sonic explorer mode. We're talking a futuristic dystopia vibe that's part Japanese manga, part Italian cinema, with a sprinkle of Tokyo neon for good measure.
James Ford's at the production helm, and he's helping the lads push their sound into wild new territory. The title track kicks things off with this eerie piano melody and fuzzed-out guitars that'll make your spine tingle. Grian Chatten's vocals? Barely above a whisper, but damn if it doesn't pack a punch. Then you've got tracks like 'Starburster' and 'Here's the Thing' that are mashing up punk, jangle-pop, and shoegaze like it's no big deal.
But don't worry, they haven't lost their poetic touch. 'In the Modern World' is this sweeping, atmospheric beast inspired by Chatten's time in LA, contrasting Hollywood glitz with its seedy underbelly. And if you're in the mood for something with a bit more bite, 'Death Kink' brings the Nirvana-esque intensity. Critics are all over this album, praising its ballsy creativity and the band's willingness to venture into uncharted waters. It's a wild ride from start to finish, and I'm here for every second of it. - Wynter
