Fontaines D.C. - Romance lyrics
Fontaines D.C. [Grian Chatten, Conor Curley, Conor Deegan III, Tom Coll, Carlos O'Connell] Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
For a musician, no task is more challenging than managing the weight of expectations placed upon them. Ever since the release of their first single "Starburster" back in April, the upcoming album Romance by the Irish rock talent Fontaines D.C. has been hailed as the album of the year without any hesitation or doubt about the outcome. This makes it somewhat confusing to react to the record presented by five colorful, mohawk-sporting, kilt-wearing, baggy-jacketed lads. On paper, the band has undergone that very transformation from gothic, post-punk, and nostalgia for their homeland to alternative 90s and Britpop, drawing inspiration from anything and everything — from nu-metal to anime and Irish poet James Joyce. In reality, we see a group of musicians whose peak of fame has led them to an overflow of emotions, a crisis of fame, and an attempt to capture the crumbling reality around them in that very, highly romanticized manner.
[Fontaines D.C. - Romance lyrics]
Into the darkness again
In with the pigs in the pen
God knows I love you
Screws in my head
I will be beside you
'Til you're dead
And deep in the night, I confide
That maybe my goodness has died
I pray for your kindness
Heart on a spit
And maybe romance is a place, yeah
Maybe romance is a place, yeah
Maybe romance is a place
For me and you
And you
And
Meaning & Review Fontaines D.C. - Romance
Fontaines D.C. remain one of the leading guitar bands of the new wave, and that is indisputable. Their discography since 2019 has consistently showcased high quality, and if anyone is not yet familiar with the background of these Irish musicians, it's definitely worth delving into their past. The new album, Romance, represents a logical continuation of their creative journey. The band, having already established its style and fan base, now aims to make a mark on the global stage. The music on Romance has become more commercially appealing, catchy, and melodic, yet it retains its previous charm and authenticity. This is undoubtedly a positive aspect.
While Fontaines D.C. in 2019 were known for their gloomy, emotionless rock image in black, by 2024 their persona has dramatically changed. They now present themselves in colorful outfits and experiment with a range of musical genres — from Britpop to shoegaze — with pronounced emotional depth. These changes have borne fruit. The band appeared at major festivals this summer, received high praise in the press, and, most importantly, resonated with a wider audience. The album Romance has earned attention and acclaim, and it could easily warrant multiple listens.
Fontaines D.C. have managed to connect with listeners who appreciate beautiful music with memorable melodies and lyrics, without the complexity of genre-specific pretensions or snobbery. Special mention should go to James Ford, the album's producer, who has previously worked with Arctic Monkeys, Gorillaz, and Depeche Mode, and undoubtedly brought his expertise to this project.
