Fontaines D.C., “Romance.”

Romance, the fourth album by Irish rock quintet Fontaines D.C., is a captivating departure from its earlier work. More accessible and urbane than its predecessors, the band’s Dublin City roots remain intact, even as it explores new sonic spaces.

If the haunting artwork featuring a crying heart didn’t already hint at it, opening track “Romance” sets the tone with a dissonant blend of synths, mellotron and dark percussion courtesy of Tom Coll. Sonically reminiscent of Jóhann Jóhannsson’s “Sicario” soundtrack, vocalist Grian Chatten’s haunting lyrics explore transformation and growth, while the dark-wave electronica influence adds depth.

“Starburster,” the first single, was inspired by panic attacks. This track features biting riffs and lyrics that evoke vulnerability. Sonically, it takes the percussive elements from Fatboy Slim and Beastie Boys. It’s a departure from Fontaines’ post-punk roots, drawing from ’90s alt-rock and even nu-metal influences.

The sinister tone continues with “Here’s The Thing.” With an all-out cymbal attack and a driving riff, this song delves into craving emotion and anesthetization. It’s a bold reinvention that showcases Fontaines D.C.’s creative restlessness. “Desire” brings a cinematic quality to the proceedings without sacrificing the Fontaines D.C. signature aggression.

There’s a district push and pull at play throughout the album, from DIY aesthetics to pop melodies brought back into Fontaines-land by caustic guitar parts by by Carlos O’Connell and Conor Curley and Chatten’s shouty, flat north-Dublin delivery. “Bug” might be the best example of this, all Counting-Crows-esque chord patterns and string-laden melodies before being pummeled by dark synth strains and Chatten’s ratatat-tat howls.

“Sundowners”‘ production evokes the Stone Roses in their heyday with reverb-soaked vocals and shoegaze instrumentation. “Death Kink” reflects on a toxic relationship, with Chatten once again reflecting on inner conflict. “When you came into my life I was lost/ And you took that shine to me at what cost?” he asks.

The album closes with “Favourite,” a track that pitches a melodic summery vibe against lyrics rich with imagery and emotion, exploring themes of nostalgia, change and the bittersweet passage of time. As Chatten describes it, the song has “this never-ending sound to it, a continuous cycle from euphoria to sadness, two worlds spinning forever.”

Overall, Romance is transformative while maintaining the Fontaines’ sinister and dark edge. Every song is in a minor key. However, its polished production and sonic approachability will likely appeal to a larger audience while staying true to the Fontaines D.C. formula of abrasive, punk-inspired vocals, catchy melodies and quick-paced rhythms – a formula that grows even more powerful in a live setting.

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