Fontaines D.C. performing during the Skinty Fia Tour at the Scoot Inn in Austin, Texas on September 24, 2022, with Carlos O'Connell, Conor Curley, Conor Deegan III, Grian Chatten, and Tom Coll. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Ireland's premier post-punk quintet Fontaines D.C. are generating a reputation for being one of indie rock's most exciting acts. Across five years and three albums, the five-piece have attracted fans the world over with their abrasive, punk-inspired vocals, catchy melodies, and quick-paced rhythms, a formula that grows even more powerful in a live setting.
Band members Grian Chatten (vocals), Carlos O'Connell (guitar), Conor Curley (guitar), Conor Deegan III (bass), and Tom Coll (drums) originally met in Dublin, where they were attending college at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. Bonding over a shared love of poetry, they soon began writing their own verses and self-releasing singles.
The band initially called themselves "The Fontaines" after a character in The Godfather (Johnny Fontane, the godson of Vito Corleone), but they added the "D.C." (for Dublin City) after learning that a band in Los Angeles were also called The Fontaines.
Fontaines D.C. released the single "Liberty Belle," a reference to Dublin's Liberties neighborhood. That was followed by "Hurricane Laughter"/"Winter In the Sun." The next year, Fontaines D.C. released "Chequeless Reckless"/"Boys In The Better Land" and "Too Real." Their star rose in the U.S. when Seattle radio station KEXP invited them to play an in-studio set, and Fontaines D.C. were then signed to prominent indie label Partisan Records.
Fontaines D.C. released their debut album, Dogrel. The name is a reference to "Doggerel," another name for working-class Irish poetry, or "poetry of the people." That same year, Fontaines D.C. toured extensively, stopping in 50 cities throughout Ireland, Europe, and North America. They also made their late-night TV debut on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," performing "Boys in the Better Land."
Fontaines D.C. released their sophomore album, A Hero's Death, which earned them a nomination for Best Rock Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards. They also returned to "The Tonight Show," where they performed their album's title track.
Fontaines D.C. announced their third studio album, Skinty Fia, and shared a lead single, "Jackie Down the Line." Now that they are more established, Fontaines D.C. have been widely recognized as the ringleaders in a wave of '20s post-punk revivalist acts from the UK, including IDLES, Dry Cleaning, Shame, and more.
First opportunity I've had to be able to catch 'em live in the States. And did they deliver or what! Grian has to be the best front man on the planet. Almost manic, never static. But at the same time not distracting from the other guys. Very tight outfit and superb crowd. Never had to goad us into getting immersed in the atmosphere. They create it, they inspire it. You're sucked in from the first seconds. If they aren't on your bucket list, add them... at the top!Setlist for the show at the Scoot Inn
Best band in the world! The band was absolutely amazing! 10/10!
Great live band! I can't recommend this band enough! Dogrel and Skinty Fia have been on repeat for the past couple of years. I was so excited to finally see them live and was not disappointed.
Fountaines DC did not disappoint. From the first song to the encore. The band rocked out and the crowd was engaged enjoying every minute. My only regret is not having tickets to both shows.
Great show by an awesome band. Love this show. I've been a fan of the band for some time and was super happy I got to see them live. The sound was excellent and the band was really on. It really couldn't have gone better.
Unique and talented. Band like this only comes around every couple decades. They will be world conquerors when it’s all said and done.
- A Lucid Dream
- Hurricane Laughter
- Sha Sha Sha
- Roman Holiday
- I Don't Belong
- Chequeless Reckless
- Televised Mind
- Nabokov
- Too Real
- How Cold Love Is
- Jackie Down the Line
- A Hero's Death
- Skinty Fia
- Boys in the Better Land
- I Love You
Fontaines D.C. was the main act at the Scoot Inn with guests Wunderhorse. They continue across the United States, Europe, and Asia with the last stop at the Spotify O'East in Tokyo, Japan on February 18, 2023.
Fontaines D.C.
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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