Electrifying Irish indie rockers Fontaines D.C. are back to woo you with rock n’ roll while building on their previous success with Romance. The album, their first for XL Recordings, is a significant sonic step forward for the band, which has been riding high since the release of 2022’s critically acclaimed Skinty Fia. The timing of Romance couldn't be more perfect. Fresh off their tour supporting Arctic Monkeys, Fontaines D.C. harnessed the momentum of their live performances to come up with an album that's both raw and polished, bursting at the seams with energy and emotion, and lead single "Starburster" is a perfect example. The track finds frontman Grian Chatten delivering a swaggering stream-of-consciousness vocal take that collides with combustible production, setting the stage for their most assured and inventive record yet.

Romance is also a milestone for Fontaines D.C. in that it marks their first time working with producer James Ford. Known for his work with Arctic Monkeys and Foals, Ford brings a new level of sophistication and adventure to the band’s sound. The result is a record that’s both expansive and intimate, weaving together the ideas that have been percolating among the band members since Skinty Fia. It’s the sound of a band that’s not afraid to take risks or push outside the confines of what indie rock can be.

Fountaine D.C.’s shift from Ireland to London may have influenced the album’s broader sound, but their Dublin roots remain an essential part of their identity. It’s a record that’s as much about the band’s personal experiences as it is about their musical one. As they take these new songs on the road, there’s a palpable sense that this band is on the cusp of something truly extraordinary. With Romance, they’re not just following up on their past successes, they’re charting a bold new course for their future.