As their most ambitious North American tour kicks off in Seattle, Irish post-punk heroes Fontaines D.C. have today gifted fans with a deluxe edition of their acclaimed fourth album, ‘ROMANCE’ (XL Recordings). This expanded release injects fresh energy into the celebrated record with three compelling additions.
Beyond the already captivating single “It’s Amazing To Be Young” and its cinematic Luna Carmoon-directed visuals, the deluxe ‘ROMANCE’ unveils the brand new, James Ford-produced track “Before You I Just Forget,” offering another layer to the band’s evolving sound. Perhaps most intriguing is a raw, stripped-back live reimagining of their breakout hit “Starburster,” seamlessly interwoven with the haunting melody of David Lynch’s “In Heaven (Lady In The Radiator Song)” from his cult classic film ‘Eraserhead’ – a bold artistic statement.
Of the new material, the band’s Conor Curley states,
Before You I Just Forget is a song that started with a vision of this really blown out sound, something that heaved and shifted with new details becoming apparent every time you would listen. Like never being able to step in the same river twice, the song morphs and changes finishing with an incredible string part by Grian.
This expanded release sets the stage for a monumental summer of live performances for the Dublin five-piece. Their extensive 24-date North American trek culminates in a coveted three-night residency at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom (May 16-18), all sold out. Back across the Atlantic, Fontaines D.C. are poised to command massive audiences with four sold-out UK outdoor headline shows, including a colossal 45,000-capacity event at London’s Finsbury Park (July 5th), alongside significant dates in Manchester, Cardiff, and Newcastle. These headline stadium shows follow a year of sold-out performances across continents and prominent festival appearances, solidifying their global impact.
The preceding year saw ‘ROMANCE’ widely lauded as a defining album, earning Fontaines D.C. widespread critical acclaim, including topping numerous ‘best of’ lists, UK gold certification, and prestigious nominations at the BRIT and GRAMMY Awards. The James Ford-produced masterpiece, a testament to the band’s artistic growth since their 2022 release ‘Skinty Fia,’ showcases the innovative songwriting of Grian Chatten (vocals), Carlos O’Connell (guitar), Conor Curley (guitar), Conor Deegan (bass), and Tom Coll (drums), cementing their reputation as a pivotal band of their generation, even earning high praise from Elton John.
