Fontaines D.C.’s fourth studio album, Romance, released in 2024, marks a new chapter in their discography. The band built anticipation for the album with singles like Starburster, Favourite, Here’s The Thing, and In The Modern World, raising expectations for this release. The album opens with the title track, Romance, which sets an eerie and dark tone for the record, with the singles being the upbeat half of the album- In The Modern World stands as an exception, with its dreamlike melody and reflective lyricism.

A standout track is Desire, with the catchy drop in the chorus that has kept it on repeat since I first heard it. The album blends elements of post-punk, shoegaze, and synth, showcasing the band’s ability to navigate different genres. Grian Chatten’s vocals, typically wordy and almost spoken-word in style, take a slightly more restrained approach on this album, allowing the instruments to shine more prominently at times. The closing song 

Favourite, an acoustic-driven yet energetic song is reminiscent of the bands earlier work, allows for a powerful opening and end to the album with softer moments in the middle.

While their previous albums served as love letters to their homeland of Ireland, Romance feels more experimental and relatable beyond their roots. This album is a solid addition to their discography, highlighting the band’s versatility.