Song of the week is our weekly column highlighting the latest and greatest songs each week. Find these new favorites and more in our Spotify best songs playlist and to see other great songs from emerging artists, check out our Spotify new sounds play list. This week, Fontaines DC returns with the lead single from their upcoming album, Romance“Starburst.”
Fontaines DC has come a long way since they were children of a better land. His debut effort, dog, while promising and exciting, offered a relatively straightforward vision of modern post-punk. However, with each subsequent release, the Irish group pushed and pushed the genre, incorporating new influences and taking increasingly wilder swings. With their latest arty, trip-hop infused “Starburster,” Fontaines DC continues to put a spin on the guitar music of their past.
Serving as the lead single from their upcoming album, Romance, the ambition of “Starburster” is matched only by its twisted, anxious tone. With its overdriven drums, fiery vocals and howling synth, it's no surprise that the tune originates from a panic attack experienced by frontman Grian Chatten. It's claustrophobic and at times intentionally overwhelming, especially with the sharp inhales that help close the song.
And yet, as if the band wants to avoid inducing panic in the listener, just when the track seems about to boil over, the clouds part and a genuinely beautiful string bridge comes in to relieve the tension. . Of course, it's only a matter of time until fear appears again.
It's a remarkably well-constructed composition, taking the band to new and unexpected places. Far from his early guitar hits like “Chequeless Reckless” or “A Hero's Death,” “Starburster” uses the six strings as an accent more than anything. Instead, the percussion and hip-hop style production take center stage, successfully framing Fontaines DC as much more than just a bunch of Irish rockers.
— Jonas Krueger
Editorial Coordinator
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