This album is a huge leap of change since Fontaines D.C. released Skiny Fia in 2022. Romance (XL Recordings) finds the band wandering out into psychedelic Brit Pop. Drugs certainly might explain some of the changes, though Producer James Ford whose resume includes Gorillaz, HAIM, and Depeche Mode certainly explains the mix and how the sounds are presented here. When it comes to the groove of “Starbursters” it’s hard to argue with the results. This Irish band might have shelved The Clash influence that marked their more post-Punk flavor previously, but this does not feel like they are selling out. Continue reading →