FONTAINES D.C – LEEDS DIRECT ARENA

When it comes to writing reviews, I don’t fit the stereotypical mold of a writer. We could go on and on about the audience’s anticipation, the electric atmosphere, and the setlist, but anyone who has seen Fontaines D.C. live already knows it was exceptional. This band ensures that buying a ticket guarantees a fantastic night without a doubt.

Their twenty-track setlist effortlessly combined new tracks from their recent album Romance with staple hits from Dogrel and A Hero’s Death. Fluidly interweaving fresh material with beloved anthems not only highlighted their artistry but also paid homage to the raw dynamism and lyrical excellence that first captured audiences. Performed with their accustomed fire and sincerity, the band made the entire performance memorable. Whether playing new anthems or beloved classics, their ability to connect with the audience was undeniable, leaving everyone with a shared feeling of being part of something truly special.

After the support band Sorry, anticipation peaked inside the venue. The lights dimmed, and the audience was left to stew in the darkness. Suddenly, a bright neon green light pierced through, casting an otherworldly glow over the stage. The murmurs turned into a tense hum as all eyes focused on the curtain shielding the band.

With theatrical flair, the curtain dropped, and Fontaine’s D.C. were ready to deliver their sonic assault. Under the neon light, Grian Chatten took his rightful place, basking in an aura of power and passion. The band struck up their first song, and the sound washed over the audience like a wave, each note shimmering with raw emotion and energy. This was Fontaine’s D.C. at the height of their craft, immersive and unyielding.

From a personal viewpoint, I have supported Fontaine’s D.C. since their inception, seeing them live for the first time in 2019 after attending their show at the Ritz in Manchester. A few months back, I had the incredible opportunity to attend their “Romance” album release in Liverpool. Comparing those two performances is fascinating because I knew this album would lead them into deeper commercial success. While I am thrilled for the band, I find it difficult to digest this change, something I experience with bands I love, especially since I’m not a fan of arenas. There’s a feeling of selfishness in me, wanting to keep Fontaine’s D.C. to ourselves, not ready to give up the special feeling of being an early fan with the sense of exclusivity that comes with it. It’s a bittersweet feeling, watching them receive the mass reception they deserve, yet secretly longing for the closeness of the earlier days.

The authenticity of a band is often profoundly highlighted in the absence of stylists, extravagant production elements, and the unrefined characteristics that define their early work, before their transformation into polished commercial entities by the music industry. This essential rawness tends to diminish as bands achieve widespread recognition, and although I acknowledge that this progression is unavoidable, it remains a challenging reality to reconcile as a fan.

However, with Fontaine’s D.C.’s unbridled authenticity and band members who boldly voice their opinions on political issues, leveraging their platform to champion causes like Palestine and embodying the transformative power of influence to drive societal change, I believe this transition will be much easier for me to accept than it has been with other bands. Please make no mistake, this evolution is well-deserved. In musical and performance terms, Fontaine’s D.C. proved yet again last night what outstanding lyricists, musicians, and performers they are. It’s not surprising the industry wants to tap into their remarkable talents on a global scale; I’m surprised it’s taken so long.

Throughout last night’s performance, lead singer Grian Chatten radiated an expressive persona, casually commanding the attention of thousands. His voice was pristine, the music entrancing, and the visual elements stunning. His confidence has gained new ground, and it was nearly like seeing Fontaine’s D.C. 2.0; this tour is undoubtedly a pure testament to the band’s growth. In contrast, early performances following the release of their second album, A Hero’s Death, were distinguished by a raw, unbridled energy that delighted audiences yet lacked the sophisticated production seen in their current shows. The band’s sound has evolved from their earliest post-punk diatribes to something far more cinematic and multi-genre in approach, as witnessed in their latest album.

Everything fell perfectly into place to highlight their strong connection with their fans, who sang earnestly to every song. Playing tracks off their most recent album, Romance, which has been met with critical acclaim worldwide, the band showcased their most considered work yet, dealing with themes of spirituality and depth. The varied auditory experience the album brings, accompanied by its new aesthetic, has gained much attention. There’s little in the way of inter-song chatter, barring the odd murmured thank you, but with live performances this good, there’s little to complain about. The high-energy mosh during “Boys in the Better Land” and the jangly pop of the main-set closer “Favourite” are testimony to that.

Fontaine’s D.C. are undoubtfully seducing live audiences worldwide. Every show stands as a testament to their raw energy and lyrical brilliance, a perfect balance of new anthems and old favourites. Few bands compare to Fontaine’s D.C., who are successfully changing the face of the genre and inspiring a new breed of artists.

As “Starbuster,” the title of their latest masterwork, brings the night to a close, they dissolve into the darkness, leaving the audience in a state of ecstatic reflection. The air is full of the lingering echoes of their final notes, a tangible reminder of the visceral and energising power of the Fontaine’s DC.