It’s all been leading to this.
Across their three albums to date, Fontaines D.C. have not so much evolved as taken cosmic leaps forward, from recognisably indie fare to the more experimental corners of 2022’s ‘Skinty Fia’. Three distinct albums have been reflected in their rise up the bill at festivals both in the UK and abroad.
Although the group relocated from Dublin to London some years ago, the traces of their home country were seeded throughout their third album. In contrast, new single ‘Starburster’ is an apt soundtrack to life in England’s capital; a multitude of genres and sounds all fighting for superiority amidst the chaos.
An elegant string loop precedes tasteful piano before being consumed by a bulky trip-hop beat as Grian Chatten’s recognisable bark breaks through. As ever, it will take some while to decipher his lyrics to work out what he’s railing against, the added audible intakes of breath suggesting he can’t even keep up with his own mind. Regardless, the dexterity and tautness of his delivery is immediate and exciting, complete with an instantly memorable hook: “I’m gonna hit your business if it’s momentary blissness…”
Never ones to baulk at experimentation (with Radiohead and Burial on their roster), new label XL must have been rubbing their hands when Fontaines D.C. presented the song. The video is equally bonkers, at equal points terrifying and hilarious as Chatten dons a whole host of guises. Frankly, the shoot must have been exhausting for the singer, but you’ll feel the same after one listen of this superb piece of work.
Tender yet bruising, structured yet scattered, ‘Starburster’ is an ambitious a song as its title, not so much a left turn as a whole new direction. Fourth album ‘Romance’ lands at the end of August. Be excited.
Words: Richard Bowes
—
