Guide
Fontaines D.C. have arguably been one of the most hyped and talked about rock bands in recent years, and although I wasn’t particularly blown away by their earlier releases, they are starting to grow on me. I highly doubt the band are too bothered about me saying that. They are expanding their fan base daily and that doesn’t appear to be slowing down, with even some of the biggest names in music shouting their praise. Their new song “Marianne,” out now from their album “Dopamine Chamber,” is a dreamy rock piece. It is easy to get lost in this one, best served with earphones in my opinion, as you get pulled further into the song that way.
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The Sound of It
The song opens with a mystical haze filling the empty airwaves around me, like fog rolling in before you can see what’s ahead. A rattling guitar melody gives the track an almighty depth which I really enjoy, and the drums strike with a quality big enough to fill a stadium. Vocalist Grian Chatten soon enters the mix, though it isn’t obvious what he’s saying in the opening section.
This is a style the band has often leaned on, with the vocals blending into the mix rather than standing out on top as the focal point. Even so, it becomes clear that the song is about someone called Marianne, with the band almost offering her refuge, like a hand reaching out to pull her from a dark world.
The James Ford Touch
“Marianne” was produced by James Ford, a producer famed for his work with Arctic Monkeys and Gorillaz. He knows his stuff, and he lends his expert ear to this new song. He gives the track a more mainstream polish, which I really appreciate about Ford. He manages to keep the original rawness intact while still making the song feel massive. I also enjoy that the band have moved into new territory here, bringing in synths and strings and drifting away from that guitar heavy sound they built their name on. Is this the fingerprints of James Ford? Quite possibly.
First Impressions Only
I always have to be careful with Fontaines D.C., because I wasn’t massively into “I Love You” when I first locked my ears onto it. After several listens though, I began to really enjoy it, and it is still on my playlist to this day. I have a feeling this new one might follow the same path, so I have to be honest that this review is written after only a few listens, and it is purely based on first impressions. Let me know your thoughts below.
Pre-order The Album On Vinyl
Pre-order the vinyl album “Dopamine Chamber” by Fontaines D.C. here.
Listen To “Marianne” By Fontaines D.C.
Outside of work, I'm rarely without a book in hand. Getting lost in a good story is one of my favourite ways to unwind. But the moments I treasure most are the ones spent with my close circle of friends, sharing a laugh and making memories that stick with me long after the night ends.
In my writing, I try to bring that same passion to every piece. I love introducing readers to new sounds that move them, and I always aim to bring my own voice into a world of music journalism that never stops changing.
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actually digging this like the synths alot and looking forward to the album