Romance: A Haunting Exploration of Love and Loss by Fontaines D.C
Dublin's finest quintet innovate a sinister-infused manipulation of love’s darker edges —an album with "critically acclaimed" written all over it.
Romance typically connotes tender displays of affection, and serenading harmonies as a declaration of passion; of course, it would be in model Fontaines D.C fashion to contort this concept into erratic turmoil. Thematic essences of personal displacement and cultural estrangement has always been laced throughout the band's music. The once unpolished post-punk outlet has now expanded into broader soundscapes, applying a cynical lens to the darker facets of romance with an almost cinematic manipulation. Evolving their artistry into the realm of a five star release, while devoting themselves to the foundations that define them, is what makes Fontaines D.C's Fourth LP remarkable.
Perhaps foreshadowed by the opening single of their Mercury nominated debut, Fontaines D.C have indeed grown into something big. Their succession arc can be traced to their relationship with poetry and hard-edged instrumentals, vocalised through Grian Chatten’s gaelic-tinged rasp. Romance sees a continuum of this tortured intensity, leveraged by Chatten's voyeurism, but the 'Big Shots' have deepened their musical layers to elevate this chaos further than ever before.
The album imposes a statement of intent to expose the haunting elements of Romance, opening with the title track, which follows an abstract plane of horror. Carlos O'Connell's freshly introduced Mellotron plunges the listener into a chilling setting. This is only bolstered through Chatten's nearly cultist ramblings, delivered through a strange pitch to heighten this horrific tension. His consistent biblical language maybe signifies a perspective on romance through a religious scope.
The gauge on the metronome ramps up as we dive into the lead single, "Starburster," where Romance immerses itself in phased key effects, overlayed by a signature Connor Curley signature guitar riff to anchor the track's hook. After this ear-locking introduction, the frontman blends vocal grit with a hip-hop cadence, delivering relentless lyrics about his "insanity," framed by harsh truths and claustrophobic imagery- a fitting sonic representation of the panic attack he experienced on the Underground.
Chatten: "Being creatively understood by too many people is like flies landing on your face, and you need to shake them off to see who you are again."
It would be a disservice to pigeonhole Romance into a single genre, as the album ventures into various musical styles, all while remaining unmistakably Fontaines D.C. The Dubliners have always progressively experimented with their sonic backdrop in their previous bodies of work.
Dogrel captures anthemic urgency with scratchy guitar riffs that convey unfiltered social commentary. A Hero's Death introduces darker undertones heard in their latest work, shifting towards a more self-reflective stance with the deep guitar layers in "I Don’t Belong." By the time we reach Skinty Fia, Fontaines D.C. are enveloped in rich textures and effects; Romance was destined to leap into the future rather than take mere steps.
Take "Favourite," for instance, which applies eyeshadow to itself through it's gothic influences; their second single fraternises with traditional romantic elements, resonating with typical love sonnets. Deego's harmonic backing vocals run throughout the verses, subtly enriching the song's depth and reflecting the band's commitment to intricate layering. Yet, lines like "when they painted town with Thatcher" circle back to the distinctly Irish pulse we heard coursing through their debut album. Positioned at the album’s close, "Favourite" rounds off Romance on an upbeat note, contrasting its introspective lyrics.
"In the Modern World" delves into Fontaines D.C.'s relationship with modernity, reflecting on the disconnection and disillusionment that comes with contemporary life. The track merges energetic instrumentation with a contemplative tone, critiquing the impact of the digital age on authentic human connection.
Meanwhile, "Death Kink" explores the darker side of love, depicting a toxic relationship with a trembling aura. Throughout the album, an undercurrent of melancholy ties these songs together, creating a cohesive yet diverse body of work that defies simple categorisation, embodying the band’s intent on pulling in a direction of authenticity.
Fontaines D.C. have been tirelessly gigging, with a UK and Ireland tour this autumn and their biggest headline show at Finsbury Park on July 5th, 2025. With a commanding stage presence and frequent festival appearances, it's clear that the challenges of modern music releases are on full display.
Their singles "Starburster" and "Favourite" were groundbreaking, but the rapid release of sturdy album tracks like "Here's the Thing" and "In the Modern World" soon before the album drop underscores a concerning trend. In today’s indie scene, bands are often forced to release half their albums as singles to gain traction on Spotify playlists rather than focusing on album sales, even when their teasers are greatly received. It's crucial that we support the talent we love to ensure they continue to thrive and to maximise our excitement for upcoming releases.