The definition, essence or even ethos of romance is not hard to find in the music of Fontaines D.C. — having released their fourth album Romance, it has almost become the band’s raison d’etre. Naturally, opening with the song, Romance, is certainly a way to set the tone and a statement of intent.
Whilst initially labelled as post-punk with the sonic accoutrements one would expect, the band are evolving into something that is as equally dissonant as it is anthemic. The latest record certainly has expanded their vision, and imbues the live show with elements of teenage grunge and stadium worthy hymns. The band have described the record as both ‘ridiculous’ and ‘neon’ and their aesthetic and stage show reflects this, green washes across the stage and a suitable amount of haze for the occasion gave it the feel of a 70s B-grade horror film.
Having set their intent, Fontaines D.C. changed direction and led into Jackie Down The Line, from Skinty Fia which had a rabble rousing effect and had most of the audience singing along by the second song, which is no mean feat. As their set progressed and continued, band members started rotating instruments. I have seen this before, where artists let their ego get the better of them, the lead singer wants to prove he can play guitar or the often overlooked bassist wants to jump into the limelight, it can show a band up or slow down a set, killing the mood thoroughly. However, with Fontaines D.C it demonstrated musicianship and character, the right player being selected for the right song. It was the working of a synergised band who contributed their own idiosyncratic take to the songs.
A notable moment was the recently released, It's Amazing To Be Young which although a new stand alone single separate from the record, was evidently a crowd favourite, the beauty and almost painful nostalgia of child-like awe translated with pertinence. It was shortly followed by Big from their record Dogrel, Tom Coll’s drumming carried the band back to the fervour and direct song writing of their debut release.
Dogrel was the record that started my love affair with Grian Chatten’s lyrics, for the line ‘and the radio’s all about a runaway model, with a face like sin and a heart like a James Joyce novel’, which fortunately did feature in their set towards the end when they played Boys in the Better Land.
Whilst I always want the forecourt shows to be louder, Here's The Thing, felt huge. I love the moment of anticipation when you have figured out which song the band will play next but they are yet to start, their holding of the feedback at the start of the song was an effective tease of inevitable release. Chatten grew further into himself for the encore, it’s hard to rally fans and still maintain sex appeal and cool, yet it can be done it would seem. (Maybe it was the kilt or the removing of the sunglasses for potential human connection?) There would have been a riot had they not played I Love You in the encore and concluding with Starbuster made their journey through Romance feel circular and complete, although hopefully, not over.
You can stream Fontaines D.C.'s latest album Romance now on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. The last show of their sold-out Australian tour will be played in St. Kilda tonight. More information can be found on the Handsome Tours website.
