For many, the innate star quality of Fontaines D.C. was clear even before their debut album ‘Dogrel’ was released in 2019. Now, three albums later, ‘Romance’ will be remembered as the one that propelled them to supernova status. The perception that the Dublin quintet could become rock’s next big sensation has always lingered, steadily growing as the band navigated this path through 2020’s ‘A Hero’s Death’ and the follow-up, 2022’s ‘Skinty Fia’. However, the moment ‘Starburster’ signaled the start of their fourth era, that momentum changed dramatically—it skyrocketed. While evolution is essential for a band’s relevancy, ‘Romance’ represented more of a transformation. The striking neon green, pink, and blue color scheme seemed to emerge from nowhere, leading the way with a dystopian, cyberpunk vibe that drew inspiration from the nu-metal heyday of the ’90s. It served as a bold contrast to the previously introverted and quiet five-man lineup, with frontman Grian Chatten once pacing awkwardly on stage between songs just five years prior. This visual shift aligns with what was happening beneath Grian’s vibrant green Adidas tracksuit and guitarist Carlos O’Connell’s eye-catching pink hair. ‘Romance’ marked the first moment Fontaines D.C. began to embrace the fame that had come to them, playing with it and leveraging it to their benefit. In contrast to their earlier tendency to shy away from the inevitable, the title metaphorically explores how we often take the path of romance—through denial, escapism, or distorting the truth—rather than confronting reality.
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The ultimate guide to the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist by DIY.
The ultimate guide to the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist by DIY.
The ultimate guide to the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist by DIY.