“Starburster” is one of the boldest tracks of 2024 thus far. The lead single to Irish rock band Fontaines D.C.’s fourth studio album, “Romance,” it’s built around an unnerving Mellotron loop, simple but powerful drumming, and lead singer Grian Chatten’s half-rapped vocals. The chorus is broken up by desperate gasps for air in between phrases.
It’s an interesting sonic palette that remains as intriguing on the 20th listen as it is on the first – a mood that’s equal parts sinister and a candidate for song of the summer. It’s uncharted territory for the band, as well. The Fontaines are no stranger to a unique sound, but their past discography is dominated by traditional bass/drums/guitar rock instrumentation. Now, there are synthesizers in the mix, and the band ditched their stereotypical indie rock wardrobe for bright, neon jackets, glasses, and haircuts.
There isn’t another track on “Romance” that really compares to “Starburster,” but the album as a whole is still an effort by the band to try something new and debut a bigger sound. The title track (and album intro) feels like it was made for a movie trailer with its blown out, cinematic production, a haunting, chiming instrumental line, and the sort of distorted BWAHs you’d expect from Hans Zimmer. Following is “Starburster” and then “Here’s the Thing,” which serves as the project’s most straightforward rock song with a distorted riff and catchy hook, although the chorus falsetto doesn’t quite land – admittedly, that’s a personal preference.
“Romance” comes out swinging with its three biggest, most energetic tracks. It’s simultaneously the heaviest and poppiest the Fontaines have ever sounded. But then the album throttles down dramatically on the fourth track “Desire” and never really picks up again. Some momentum returns on the penultimate track just to go into closer “Favourite,” a slow but genuinely sweet song built around a The Cure-esque lead guitar line.
The Fontaines D.C. do manage to succeed in the latter half of “Romance.” “In The Modern World” has a bittersweet atmosphere and the prettiest melody on the album, showcasing not just Chatten but bassist Conor Deegan III’s vocals. There are shades of Lana Del Rey. “Bug” has a ‘90s acoustic rock feel to it that blends wonderfully with the band’s sound. “Horseness is the Whatness” once again displays the band’s knack for melody and the raw emotion Chatten brings to the table.
But other tracks: “Desire,” “Motorcycle Boy” (despite a cool synth), and “Sundowner,” sound too similar to the other slower cuts mentioned to stand out. The songwriting is fine across the board, but crammed together, the album starts to lull. And if you went into “Romance” hoping for 11 more helpings of “Starburster,” you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Put those high expectations aside though, and the Fontaines’ latest is a good listen overall. The band proves they can shine with not just headbangers but also slower, more orchestral cuts. The range of instrumentation is more diverse than ever. It’s an encouraging result for a band that hasn’t hit greatness quite yet – but it’s right around the corner.
Album: Romance
Artist: Fontaines D.C.
Producer: James Ford
Overall Rating: ★★★