Issue Twenty-Seven: Fontaines D.C.

When Fontaines D.C. left the stage at London’s Brixton Academy in February, you’d have forgiven them some time away. Years had been spent in the van touring the songs that became ‘Dogrel’ and a further year, albeit now in a bus, was spent on the road following their debut release. For a band of such a thoughtful nature and an affinity with their home of Dublin, you can’t help but feel it would have taken its toll on their hearts and minds. Maybe it’s the demands of being in a band in 2020, or maybe it’s a new found energy, either way Fontaines D.C. returned in July with their second record, ‘A Hero’s Death’.

By no means a ‘Dogrel’ part two nor a great departure, ‘A Hero’s Death’ serves as a darker, self assured and more personal affair compared to their debut. Without the years of trial by tour, It’s power is unknown but it’s an album which the band clearly believe in. Few have braved an album release during the pandemic - not least one which feels so important to both the band and possibly the continuing rise of guitar music.

The lockdown has been kind to Grian Chatten and it’s being used to start afresh and make new choices. Some of which are felt before a word is exchanged via Zoom as the Fontaines D.C. frontman drops me a message to say he’d got lost during a run and is going to be late after taking a turn at the wrong church. Now that ‘A Hero’s Death’ is wrapped up, the band have been afforded some well earned time off and a moment to reflect.

As Grian cooled from the cardio and before a few pints with producer whizz, Dan Carey, we discussed the power of the seaside town, reappraising our habits and when to hang up the gloves.

Everyone’s running, is that something you’ve done much before?

Yeah before I went to college, ya know you go to college and you’re finally given the venue for the amount of drink that you’ve always wanted to consume. Before that yeah, I was in very good shape then...

I’ve felt quite grateful for lockdown in a way…

Yeah me too but it’s hard to admit it though isn’t it because so many people have died. It’s definitely a blessing in disguise for some people and it’s a lesson because there’s so much reappraising going on, everyone is reappraising. I know I am and I’m reappraising my relationship with alcohol in a positive way. Because I got into the habit personally of it’s kinda ‘just what you do’ all the time and it never means anything and I never really enjoy it. It’s just a part of being awake. Whereas now, there’s more of a reward system attached to it. I think a lot of people are achieving that you know. It’s eerie how similar it is to economics. Like wealth exists because poverty exists, and no one can really win without someone else losing. It’s awful but you have to appreciate it when something good comes your way as well.

Read the full article in Issue Twenty -Seven