Only Fontaines D.C. could have the NON-COMM audience moshing. Yes, you read that right. Moshing. Fontaines had the ground shaking, and the energy level was through the roof the entire set.
Before the band even came on stage, the teaser song and title track for their upcoming album, Romance, played as the stage was covered in a sinister red light. As the track went on, the crowd’s anticipation built until it was almost unbearable. All of a sudden, the red lights flared and the band walked on in their new punk look complete with neon hair and glasses – outfits seemingly taken straight out of the “Starburster” music video.
The set was a blur, with each band member bringing their uncanny intensity to the show. Starting off strong was “Nabokov,” which had lead singer Grian Chatten running in circles an rocking out on all counts. “A Lucid Dream” and “Televised Mind” followed, two smashing songs from their second album, A Hero’s Death.
Fontaines played songs from across their discography, performing “How Cold Love Is,” “I Love You,” and “Jackie Down The Line,” from their most recent project, Skinty Fia. ““Jackie Down The Line” was when the magic truly happened, with the crowd forming a mosh pit that grew in size over the next few songs.
The intensity of the night culminated with their performance of “Starburster,” only to be revived during their encore, when they played an unreleased song called “Favourite” to the crowd’s delight. If this performance was anything to show, the band’s new album will be full of bangers.
Fontaines D.C.’s NON-COMM show followed a sold-out pop-up show in New York City. The band have also recently announced world tour dates, with a stop in Philadelphia at the Fillmore this October. Their new album Romance will be out on August 23, and you can stream “Starburster” in the meantime.