I’ve been a fan of Fontaines since their first shouty appearance on BBC 6 Music telling me they are “gonna be big”. I’ve obsessively bought their EPs, live releases, remixes (check out the Soulwax version of ‘A Hero’s Death’; it is boss) and, of course, albums. In fact, I bought ‘Skinty Fia’ twice so I could see them live at the album launch party in a tiny venue in Liverpool.
Needless to say, I’ve been eagerly waiting for the new album to arrive after preordering it months ago. Does it continue my love affair with the band? Absolutely. In fact, I think this may be my favourite album of the year.
The band switched producers from Dan Carey (Black Midi and Squid) to James Ford (Arctic Monkeys and Gorillaz), and it feels like they have shifted up a gear both musically and in ambition terms. The raw, savage songs from their first two records, ‘Dogrel’ and ‘A Hero’s Death,’ have morphed into bigger, fuller songs on ‘Romance’.
Strings, synths, and beautiful backing vocals are present, but there is also a nod to the nu-metal bands they were listening to as adolescents, most noticeably in their wardrobe makeover and in the delivery of some of the songs on the record, including the first single, ‘Starburster’.
There is a sprinkling of shoegaze on ’Sundowner’, a touch of grunge on ‘Death Kink’, a slice of soft rock on ‘Motorcycle Boy’ and a bone fide string-laden ballad in ‘Horseness Is the Whatness’ (a quote from Ulysses by James Joyce fact fans).
Tracks like ‘In The Modern World’ are as good as anything they have released and about as far from their early sound as they have been.
This isn’t a criticism; it is fantastic hearing a group I love evolve and develop; it is like discovering another brilliant band - although singer Brian Chatten’s voice is so distinctive that I’m always reminded of who I’m listening to.
I reckon this is the most accessible album they have ever realised; by that, I mean it isn’t as thrashy, dark or angular as their previous releases. By accident or design, this is probably the most radio-friendly record of their career. It should see an army of new fans discover them, which will propel them into the stadium-filling bracket - they did say they would be big.
Fancy a copy? This Indies Only pink edition can be picked up for around £23 from your local independent retailer. The album is also available on clear or black vinyl for around the same price.
Tracks To Try: ‘Starburster’, ‘Here’s The Thing’, ‘In The Modern World’, ‘Favourite’.
Comments