Fontaines D.C. - Romance

If post-punk can be like this, then perhaps I’ve underestimated how much I truly enjoy the genre.

The five Irishmen of Fontaines D.C. invite listeners to embark on a new chapter of their creative journey—one where they choose not to overwhelm with harsh, abrasive sounds or radical departures. A chapter that is both unexpected and refreshing. This one is about accessibility, the light side of melancholy, inviting melodies, and transformation.

The band explores different facets of alternative rock, unafraid to draw inspiration from musicians who have walked this path before them. This openness allows the record to take on new nuances and depth. The album begins in a darker place, reminiscent of the band's earlier aesthetic, but gradually evolves, introducing new messages and moods. This evolution presents listeners with an entire artistic journey, demonstrating how the artist and their music grow together, feeding off each other in a symbiotic relationship that enhances both.

Each track is infused with emotion and ideas that are effortlessly conveyed to the listener. The instrumentals are precise and of exceptional quality, dynamically complementing one another to create a cohesive and conceptual experience throughout the record. The lyrics are memorable and vivid, offering much to ponder and appreciate.

This is a remarkable work that creatively and intelligently demonstrates the band's evolution, revealing new dimensions and their ability to offer fresh contexts.

If this album represents the pinnacle of their career, it would be a triumph in its own right. However, if it is merely a stepping stone to something even greater, then we are in for something truly extraordinary. Either way, Fontaines D.C. have proven they are a band worth watching, worth listening to, and most definitely, worth waiting for.

9.0/10