Fontaines D.C. has marked the conclusion of their critically acclaimed ‘Romance‘ era with the release of a haunting live video for “Desire.” The performance, captured with stark visuals and dramatic lighting, arrives following a period of extensive touring and cements the band’s reputation for compelling live shows.
The release signals a turning point for the Dublin-based post-punk group, who have spent the last year building momentum with ‘Romance,’ an album lauded for its exploration of modern anxieties and sonic experimentation. NME previously described the album’s “acid, neon and sci-fi” aesthetic as capturing “how it feels to be alive today, which is really fucking confusing,” as noted by Amy Taylor of Amyl and the Sniffers. Fontaines D.C. were also hailed by NME as ”the moast vital band of this decade” after a four-star rated performance at Finsbury Park this summer, a show that positioned them as potential future Glastonbury headliners.The “Desire” video showcases the band’s dynamic stage presence and the song’s raw emotional core. It follows a summer of high-profile performances, including a notable appearance at Finsbury Park where frontman Grian Chatten joined Kneecap onstage for their song “Better Way To Live,” a performance highlighting the band’s support for the fight for Palestine – a cause visibly championed by the crowd. ‘Romance’ was released in 2024 and is a distinct departure from their earlier work, offering a complex soundscape that resonates with contemporary themes of alienation and longing.
