“Honey I'd changed before you, yeah.”
With a fresh new sound, a new post-punk neon green aesthetic, and a self-assured swagger, this summer has seen some dramatic changes for Fontaines D.C. As a result, this band seems to have finally found themselves. After having released their fourth LP, Romance, over the summer, the band from Dublin are riding high on a wave of critical acclaim and popular support that has seen them headline Glastonbury and they are now close to completing an arena tour of the UK and Ireland. They have a momentum and charisma that has propelled them to stardom as one of the best bands around. The world is at their feet and where they go next is theirs to decide, but right now, Fontaines D.C. are relishing the moment, revelling in their success. Fontaines D.C. have arrived.
Grian Chatten struts with glee about the stage, adorned with iconic bug-like shades; here is someone who looks like a proper frontman, whose confidence radiates into the crowd as he gestures with open arms for them to give it some, and boy do they.
‘Favourite’ sounded mega as the sweeping soundscape of acoustic guitars and layered vocals seemed to engulf the entire arena, and having 13,000 fans singing along produced a chorus effect like no other. Similarly, having an entire arena draw in a raspy breath at the end of each verse for ‘Starburster’ was tremendous fun, and worth the entry fee alone. Whilst this set was heavy with new material, ample time was afforded to delve into the back catalogue and bring out fan favourites such as ‘Boys in the Better Land’, ‘I Love You’ and ‘Jackie Down the Line’.
What is possibly most impressive about Fontaines D.C. is their apparently effortless ability to sound perfect. Their musical ability is undoubtedly ridiculous, however, this may be their Achilles heel. Their performance is near note-for-note perfect with their recordings, and whilst this is testament to their musical ability, it also makes the performance feel almost too slick, and devoid of the spontaneity that was integral to the success of their punk rock predecessors.
Despite this, Fontaines D.C. have without a doubt propelled themselves onto another level with their latest album, and its subsequent tour shows that they have what it takes to back it up. They are the band of the moment and carry themselves with a skip in their step. Their music is as bold as their look. They are punchy and energetic, but quieter moments are capable of surprising poignance. To watch them live is to experience greatness in the making.