REVIEW – GRIAN CHATTEN AT NIGHT AND DAY

Last night, I saw the Irish post-punk frontman of Fontaines DC, Grian Chatten at the Night and Day Cafe in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. I wasn’t planning on writing a review, however, when a show is that exceptionally entertaining, I couldn’t resist.

Formed five years ago, Fontaines DC has garnered more attention and acclaim than many bands could hope for in their entire career. Last night though we were there to see Chatten play his debut solo and extremely personal album ‘Chaos for the Fly’. This album is very much Chatten’s vision of his recent experiences from being on tour to spending time on the bleak beaches of the Dublin coast. He has said previously that he sometimes struggles to feel things. This album is his way of experiencing those feelings and making sense of them. It showcases a completely different side of him compared to his role as Fontaines DC’s frontman. Produced by Fontaines DC’s regular producer, Dan Carey, in only two weeks. The result is a raw and honest record, lyrically reminiscent of Leonard Cohen and Elliott Smith. The album leans more towards folk music, with Chatten’s poetic heart being truly evident. The album has been praised by critics and fans alike for its honest and vulnerable take on the human condition. It is a further testament to Chatten’s songwriting versatility. Despite reflecting Chatten’s visions, it serves as a reminder of our shared human experience. It reflects our collective vulnerability. It also reflects music’s power to express and capture these feelings.

The album played live has a melancholic yet uplifting sound that draws the crowd in. From the first song ‘All Of The People’ the atmosphere was so silent that you could hear a pin drop. Chatten’s singing voice is distinctly Dublin. His voice seems much softer and carries a certain tenderness that feels either unfamiliar or more vulnerable. Chatten has described the album as a “horror movie with a hyperreal colour palette,” but the live performance is comforting despite the dark lyrics. The first release from the album ‘The Score’ is a tense and somber affair stripped down to its essence. It stimulates the mind and leaves the listener with a sense of optimism, despite the desolate nature of the music.

Chatten’s lyrics successfully strike a balance between personal and universal themes, which clearly resonated with listeners of all ages in the audience. He also threw in a track from Fontaines DC ‘The Couple Across The Way’. The inspiration for this intimate and accordion-led song came from living with his fiancée in Caledonian Road, Islington, where they had some older neighbours who engaged in frequent arguments. Chatten’s usual song writing style involves vivid metaphors, however, in this instance, his lyrics are clear and uncomplicated to comprehend.

It was a powerful performance that mesmerised the crowd from beginning to end. Chatten’s raw emotion and passion were palpable and it was a truly unforgettable experience one that I am sure to remember for a long time. Chatten is a true master of his craft and I would highly recommend others see him perform this album when they get the chance.