THE BEST RECORD OF THE YEAR : Number 12

Fontaines D.C.’s Romance stands out as one of my albums of the year for a simple reason – it dares to evolve while staying true to the raw essence that first made the band captivating. From the blistering, high-energy days of Dogrel to the brooding atmosphere of Skinty Fia, the Dublin outfit has consistently redefined post-punk with a poetic edge. With Romance, they blend lush orchestration and pop melodies with the grit and edge that have become their signature.

The opening title track immediately sets the tone. Thunderous guitars crash like distant storms, and Grian Chatten’s unmistakable voice cuts through the mix with haunting clarity. This segues effortlessly into Starburster, one of the album’s strongest moments. Chatten’s near-rap vocal delivery rides atop frenzied drums and cascading guitars, conjuring an atmosphere that is both chaotic and deeply melodic. It’s here that Fontaines D.C. flex their ability to create a sonic landscape that feels fresh yet familiar.

Tracks like Desire demonstrate the band’s knack for creating expansive, emotionally resonant songs. Echoes of Skinty Fia’s layered guitars return, but this time with a softer, more ethereal quality. Chatten’s vocals rise into new registers, adding a vulnerability that feels strikingly intimate. This balance between delicate and fierce is part of what makes Romance such a standout album.

The album’s centerpiece, In the Modern World, is an undeniable highlight. The swelling strings and gently plucked guitar build into a crescendo of raw emotion. It’s a song that taps into universal feelings of numbness and detachment while offering a glimmer of hope through love and connection. The line, “I don’t feel anything, in the modern world,” feels like a mantra for our times, yet by the song’s end, there’s a sense of resolve and warmth that lingers.

That’s not to say Romance is without its rough edges. Tracks like Death Kink jolt the listener with punk-inspired grit, channeling the early aggression of Dogrel. On the flip side, songs like Horseness is the Whatness provide space to breathe, leaning into orchestral balladry that highlights the band’s musical maturity.

By the time Favourite rolls around, there’s a palpable sense of closure. The track’s sunlit melodies and gently looping guitars feel like an exhale after the album’s emotional peaks and valleys.

Fontaines D.C. have crafted an album that is both ambitious and deeply personal. Romance isn’t just another addition to their discography – it feels like a declaration that they are here to stay, evolving with each release, while continuing to resonate with those who crave music that feels authentic, urgent, and alive.