Fontaines D.C. has just released their latest single, “Here’s The Thing,” the third track to be revealed from their eagerly awaited fourth album, ROMANCE, which is set to drop on August 23rd via XL Recordings.
A Glimpse into ROMANCE with “Here’s The Thing”
Written just days before the band entered the studio, “Here’s The Thing” offers a visceral exploration of emotional turmoil. Lead vocalist Grian Chatten describes the track as an “anxious tune that twists and turns in what it wants, back and forth between pain and numbness.” The song, characterized by its mechanical, mutant guitar sounds reminiscent of Placebo and the electronic expressiveness of artists like Shygirl and Eartheater, captures the intense struggle for autonomy in the face of emotional extremes.
The single is accompanied by a cinematic music video directed by acclaimed filmmaker Luna Carmoon, known for her work on Hoard, Shagbands, and Nosebleed. The video perfectly encapsulates the song’s intense feelings and paranoia, drawing inspiration from teen-horror films like The Lost Boys and Phenomena. Set in the eerie backdrop of a traditional Irish Dancing competition, the video unravels a narrative of chaos through Carmoon’s haunting visual style.
WATCH THE “HERE’S THE THING” VIDEO HERE
The Journey Leading to ROMANCE
In April, Fontaines D.C. dropped the first explosive track from the new album, “Starburster,” which received widespread international acclaim. Rolling Stone and Consequence both hailed it as the best song of 2024 so far. The music video for “Starburster,” created by Aube-Perrie, has been much talked about for its conceptual brilliance. The follow-up single, “Favourite,” which premiered at the band’s sold-out Brooklyn Warsaw show in April, has quickly become a fan favorite, especially after their electrifying performance at Glastonbury’s Park Stage. Together with the newly released “Here’s The Thing,” these tracks offer a glimpse into the expansive, experimental direction of ROMANCE.
A Bold New Chapter for Fontaines D.C.
ROMANCE is poised to be Fontaines D.C.’s most ambitious record to date. The album’s 11 tracks weave together a tapestry of ideas that have been brewing since the release of Skinty Fia in 2022. Known for their early punk sensibilities, the band has evolved into a sound that embraces grungier breaks, dystopian electronica, hip-hop beats, and dreamy shoegaze textures. Produced by James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco (known for his work with Arctic Monkeys and Blur), ROMANCE marks a departure from the band’s previous “retro aesthetic,” with Chatten noting, “we say things on this record we’ve wanted to say for a long time. I never feel like it’s over, but it’s nice to feel lighter.”
PRE-ORDER / PRE-SAVE ROMANCE HERE
Global Album Listening Event for ROMANCE
Last week, Fontaines D.C. announced a global album listening event for ROMANCE. Several record stores across Southeast Asia and Korea will participate in this exclusive event, offering fans a first listen to the album, along with special ROMANCE goodies. Attendees will also have a chance to win a limited, hand-screen-printed, and numbered edition of the LP. If you’re in Manila, be sure to sign up for the event below as capacity is limited for each session.
Fontaines D.C. continues to push boundaries with their music, and ROMANCE is set to be another milestone in their remarkable journey.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.