Irish rock band Fontaines D.C released their newest album, “Skinty Fia,” on April 22, 2022. The album’s title is an Irish phrase which means “the damnation of the deer.” The album has received a rating of 8 out of 10 from Pitchfork.
1970s and ‘80s style new wave influences, such as The Cure and Joy Division, can be heard in the atmospheric guitar riffs, melodic bass lines and gothic undertones. Lead vocalist Grian Chatten also continues his frank, forlorn and melodic vocal delivery that was a signature feature on their other albums.
Right off the bat, the Irish language is featured more heavily in this album than in their previous works with the opening track “In ár gCroíthe go deo,” which translates to “In Our Hearts Forever.” A mixture of pride and conflicting feelings about one’s heritage also comes through in various tracks like “I love you,” a conflicted love letter to their homeland. The theme of Irish identity carries over into “Jackie Down The Line.” This song utilizes the Irish slang terms “Jackie” and “Jackeen,” which are used to describe someone from Dublin.
This being their third studio album to date, there are several notable changes in their style when compared to previous records. Fontaines D.C focuses more on choral harmonies and draws from a slightly broader range of influences, such as the trip-hop percussion that is showcased on the title track.
The overall tone of “Skinty Fia” conveys dark themes of hopelessness, indignation, anxiety and misanthropy. The album also portrays a sense of forthcoming doom and resignation even more than before in their lyrics. For instance, the closing track “Nabokov” opens with Chatten bellowing: “Well this is what it is now — pain, pain.”
Fontaines D.C have experienced immense growth and recognition the past two years, appearing on talk shows and even being nominated for a Grammy. The band has reached over 1,000,000 monthly listeners on Spotify as well. The many positive reviews of “Skinty Fia” will likely add to their successful trajectory.
