Dublin‘s Fontaines D.C. have a knack for creating music that’s both immediate and enigmatic, but their latest single “Starburster” sets up their upcoming album, ‘Romance‘, as something else altogether! If this single and video are any indication, the album will be full of love and chaos, reflecting the band’s unique ability to find beauty even in the darkest places.
“Starburster” opens with sprawling unsettling instrumentation, reminiscent of wandering through a post-apocalyptic landscape unsure of where or who you are. In terms of influences, the track draws from trip-hop loops to punk’s raw energy without sounding forced.
Frontman Grian Chatten‘s entrance is almost rap-like, cutting through the haze with hypnotic urgency, instantly creating a sense that something extraordinary is unfolding. The vocals are eerie, edgy, and instantly quotable, even if the lyrics remain enigmatic. Inspired by a panic attack Chatten endured at London’s St Pancras station, the track’s tension and release are palpable. The gasps for air in the chorus, juxtaposed with dissonant instrumentation and fragmented lyrics, capture that panic with unnerving precision.
The angelic breakdown mid-song is a masterstroke, an unexpected turn that breathes fresh air into the chaos. This surprising beauty contrasts sharply with the rest of the track, highlighting the band’s ability to weave disparate components into a cohesive sound, deepening the song’s emotional impact when that chorus returns with force.
The accompanying music video, directed by Aube Perrie, amplifies the creepy vibe. Chatten‘s persona is somewhat obnoxious, his wounded, dishevelled appearance adding to the unsettling atmosphere. The video is a feast of morbid imagery, featuring Chatten wandering through bizarre scenarios in contrasting getups.
With “Starburster,” Fontaines D.C. prove once again they are one of the most compelling bands around right now. As far as summer anthems go, it is perhaps not your typical fare but is already set up as my personal obsession. This is a band seemingly at the height of their powers making whatever sound they want, and I’m here to lap it up.
‘Romance‘ is out on XL Recordings on August 23rd.
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