Album Review: Romance by Fontaines D.C

Fontaines D.C. have returned with Romance, a record that delves deeper into their signature post-punk sound while exploring new emotional depths. Known for their raw intensity and poetic lyrics, the Dublin band brings a fresh layer of vulnerability and introspection to this latest release. The band’s success has steadily grown since their debut album A Hero's Death, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album in 2021. Their first album, Dogrel, received a Mercury Prize nomination, solidifying their place in the music world. In 2022, their third album, Skinty Fia, further cemented their reputation, winning them the Brit Award for International Group. In this review, we’ll unpack how Romance showcases their growth both musically and lyrically, and why this album is a must-listen for fans of the band and newcomers alike.

Before diving into our thoughts on the album, we want to take a moment to reflect on the week leading up to its release. We attended a listening party promoted on their page, which led us to a small, cozy, and eccentric vinyl store called Vinyl Street Cafe in Fairfield, CT. Greeted by the owners, Kitty and Josh, we were immediately captivated by the store’s atmosphere. Overflowing with music history and charm, the walls were lined with an incredible collection of records, making it a music lover’s paradise. Every corner invited exploration, and the warm, welcoming vibe made it the perfect spot to get lost in the rhythm of nostalgia. We had only ever seen vinyl stores like this in New York, and as two girls who search everywhere for that feeling, we didn’t expect to find it right here in Connecticut.

It didn’t hurt that we got to hear the album for the first time in such a cool store, surrounded by music and fellow fans who love the band as much as we do. It felt like the perfect way to experience it.

Romance

“God knows I love you. Screws in my head, I will be beside you. Till you're dead.”

We love it when an album pulls you into its world right from the opening track, setting the scene perfectly. The suspenseful and dark melody creates the feeling of a hallway spiraling in a horror movie or the title sequence of a dramatic film, immediately setting the atmosphere. Then comes Grian’s voice, which for the first time (as far as we know) he sings all the way and carries through the entire track with captivating intensity. The lyrics are so enticing, conveying a twisted sense of love that has transformed into obsession. At first, it seems he's singing about a person, but you’re left questioning whether it’s a place or a person—and we think it’s both. After all, you often fall in love with someone in a place. The track captures a moody, rebellious spirit while still feeling deeply personal, like a late-night reflection on love and the chaos it brings.

2. Starbuster

“Never wanting, Only wonder.”

The first single from the album left us completely shocked by the sound and direction they took. Fontaines D.C. is known for constantly evolving, and while they could have easily put out another album like Skinty Fia and enjoyed the same success, they instead embraced a fresh 80s/90s sound with a Y2K essence. The final punch was their new approach to fashion, leaving us wondering who initiated that vision. The driving rhythm and haunting vocals create a sense of urgency, pulling the listener into a world of restless introspection. Lyrically, it feels like a reflection on personal struggle and resilience, with Grian's distinctive voice adding weight to every line. He mentioned to BBC Radio, “I think I felt a sense of immobility when I was writing the lyrics for that. I actually had the lyrics written, and I was unsatisfied with them. I was on the way to record them, and I had a bit of a freakout. I sat down, and I texted the producer, James Ford, and I said, ‘Listen, I can’t do this right now. I have to postpone.’” The song balances intensity and vulnerability, a signature style that continues to set Fontaines D.C. apart, while also hinting at new creative directions for the band.

3. Here’s The Thing

“To be anesthetized, and crave emotion
So beautiful to hurt so well.”

The third single from the album feels like a commentary on modern disillusionment, delving into themes of doubt, anxiety, and the pressures of life. Grian Chatten’s delivery is both poignant and urgent, as if he's wrestling with existential thoughts. The repetitive, almost mantra-like phrasing heightens the sense of frustration and helplessness, but the driving rhythm and atmospheric guitars keep the track from feeling stagnant. Grian once described it as "an anxious tune that twists and turns in what it wants, back and forth between pain and numbness." It’s a powerful reflection on life’s contradictions and disappointments, yet it carries a hopeful undertone. The line “I know you’re right” feels like a plea for understanding amid the chaos, and the music video perfectly captures this push-pull dynamic of shared misery.

4. Desire

“It's high to be wanted, But haunted is higher and the change requires.”

This track channels a raw, almost primal intensity, blending Fontaines D.C.'s signature post-punk sound with a sense of yearning and frustration. It made us wonder if the band is reflecting on the allure of fame—being sought after and admired—but also recognizing how it demands personal change and shifts in ambition, along with the pitfalls that fame often brings. The band doesn’t strike us as one that seeks fame, but being in the industry likely comes with insecurities about staying relevant, even though many artists claim they only care about the craft. The minimalist instrumentation, driven by a steady bassline and drumbeat, gives space for Grian Chatten's vocals to shine, delivering lyrics that feel both intimate and universal. Themes of longing and unfulfilled ambition are in the song, evoking that familiar feeling of wanting more from life but not knowing how to achieve it. Its simplicity is a strength, building a brooding atmosphere that makes the track hauntingly memorable. It leaves you reflecting on the weight of desire and its complexities.

5. In The Modern World

“As long as I've known, There's no feeling to draw. You may be the reason, But I am the law.”

The first time I heard this song, I was on my way to pick someone up as the sun was setting. The mood was perfectly set, but I ended up spiraling as I reflected on the track. It made me think about how society has become so numb to violence, and how guilty I sometimes feel for not having a bigger reaction to the world’s problems. When Grian sings, “You may be the reason, but I am the law,” or “In the modern world, I don’t feel anything,” it captures the feeling of resigning to numbness and accepting it. I also interpret it as reminiscing on both the good and bad aspects of a past relationship, balancing between nostalgia and bitterness. The band delivered lyrics that touch on themes like isolation, the loss of genuine connection, and the pressure to keep up in a world that constantly demands more. With its driving rhythms and atmospheric guitars, it’s a standout track that perfectly captures their post-punk sound. This was truly our favorite song on the album, and the music video delivered that final blow of perfection. The band really left us speechless with this one.

6. Bug

“Well, now she curls up with his favourite son
He's the ugliest man in heaven for one.”

This track captures the band’s signature intensity while exploring themes of anxiety and inner turmoil. The distorted guitars create an urgent, almost chaotic atmosphere, mirroring the restless thoughts that Grian Chatten vocalizes. Lyrically, it delves into feelings of being overwhelmed by internal struggles, as if there's a constant buzzing or "bug" that won’t go away. The repetitive, mantra-like structure adds to the sense of being trapped in a cycle, making the song both captivating and unsettling. Grian touches on the theme of avoiding commitment, then counters it with intensity by emphasizing, “I wanted to.” The album seems to weave a pattern of push and pull when it comes to love, and while this could be about a relationship, it could also reflect someone’s connection to their hometown—how clinging to roots can sometimes lead to toxic habits. It’s a powerful showcase of the band’s ability to transform emotional tension into something both visceral and deeply relatable.

7. Motorcycle Boy

“Sinner shows emotion, Provokes them to hang
People stood in silence. When they tied him, they sang.”

This track had to grow on us. The storytelling is incredible, but the song feels like it’s building toward something that never fully arrives, which leaves us conflicted. Grian’s lyrics are so captivating, yet the sound keeps it from being a song we immediately reach for. Despite that, the message is beautiful—Grian is speaking to someone about how they’re completely different, and how that’s okay. The track balances intensity with reflection, showcasing Fontaines D.C.’s talent for blending storytelling with raw emotion. It feels like Grian is trying to help someone understand their differences, knowing that without this understanding, it could lead to inner conflict or societal pressures.

8. Sundowner

“A sadness in the soul, I dreamed it long ago, But I have not belonged. To any setting sun.”

This is the first track where Grian isn’t the central focus on vocals. Instead, Conor Curley draws you in with his dreamy, longing delivery. The song delves into themes of vulnerability, the appreciation for fleeting moments, and the struggle to hold onto something precious in a world that often feels transient and isolating. Curley sings of a connection that feels more easily expressed in dreams than in reality, with the opening line hinting at a deep-seated longing or a past experience that continues to linger. The sound is incredible, and the choice to have Grian step back vocally was brilliant. To be clear, this is no shade to Grian; we love his voice, but this decision adds an extra burst of perfection to the album.

9. Horseness Is the Whatness

“The word is not so friendly. It brings some fucking baggage,
It's a word that's used for lying.”

Groupies, when we dive into an album review, we typically wait a week or so before writing anything. This approach allows us to thoroughly digest the album and observe how the artist promotes it, giving us a chance to see if certain tracks grow on us after an initial listen. That said, this track on the album we are struggling to fully embrace. It doesn’t feel like a filler; its meaning and importance are evident, but it does come across as somewhat static. We’re torn about labeling it as "bad" because we appreciate the title's play on language and its exploration of expressing one's true self or emotions. The band’s willingness to experiment with this track adds a new layer to their sound, making it one of their more introspective and challenging pieces. It may take multiple listens for others to fully appreciate it, and we're still grappling with whether it’s ultimately good or bad.

10. Death Kink

“You said that I was bad, That was fine.
But when you said I could be good I wouldn't have it”

If “In The Modern World” weren’t on this album, this track would have been our favorite. It feels like a raw portrayal of love and manipulation, wrapped in a toxic yet compelling narrative. On a lighter note, the booktook girlies would eat this up if they find out about this song. The intense emotions evoke a sense of a relationship spiraling into darker or more existential realms. The song explores how love can become all-consuming, passionate, and overwhelming, touching on themes of mortality and the more unsettling aspects of human emotions. Grian's voice carries a taunting edge, and the gritty sound of the guitar and drums amplifies the sense of manipulation, almost as if the song is accusing someone. It delves into how relationships can push boundaries, challenge one's sense of self, and confront existential fears, highlighting how deep and intense feelings can lead to profound emotional exploration.

11. Favourite

“Beauty give the way to something strange”

The first time I heard this track, I was driving to meet friends for dinner, and it left me spiralling again. It was one of those moments where the song's impact was both profound and uplifting. The bittersweet nature of the song made me reflect on the joyful memories shared with loved ones—friendships from school, road trips during my teens, and times when I needed support. The guitar sound is incredibly captivating and pairs perfectly with driving, making it a standout track. As a closing song, it beautifully transitions the album from its darker themes to a lighter, nostalgic reflection on love and personal growth. The music video only enhances this sentiment, making the track even more memorable.

The album stands out for its bold departure from the band’s previous sound, blending elements of post-punk with influences from the 80s and 90s. Each track contributes to a rich, cohesive narrative that delves into themes of desire, disillusionment, and self-discovery. The band's willingness to experiment and push boundaries results in the work to be introspective and visceral. From its haunting melodies to its powerful lyrics, "Romance" not only showcases Fontaines D.C.'s growth as artists but also reaffirms their place in the contemporary music landscape. This album is a testament to their ability to evolve while staying true to their raw, emotive style, making it a standout release that will undoubtedly captivate listeners and leave a lasting impression. We’re eagerly anticipating hearing these tracks live when the band returns to the States in October. If you haven’t checked them out yet, groupies, now’s the time to dive in. It’s been a while since a band has excited us this much.

All our love,

Your Favorite Groupies