Fontaines D.C.’s fourth album is almost upon us. To satiate those of us who can’t wait until the end of the week, the band has released a new single from the record, “In The Modern World.” A somewhat ballad-y song, it’s grand, sweeping, and existential. Add to that a gorgeous string arrangement, and you have another top track from the Irish band.
“I always wanted to write that song but never knew how,” shared Grian Chatten in an interview with Vogue, “I remember the moment that song came to a point; I arranged the strings and stuff on my laptop at home in my flat. After I listened to it and closed the laptop, I was like, ‘Ah, that’s what I’ve been trying to do for five years.’ I always wanted to write a song that sounded like Lana Del Rey could maybe sing on it, you know?”
Alongside the new track, Fontaines D.C. shared an intense music video, directed by Luna Carmoon, who also directed the video for their previous single, “Here’s The Thing.” In what might be their most disturbing video yet, Ewan Mitchell (yes, House of The Dragon Ewan Mitchell) goes to extreme lengths to feel something, giving viewers a brash look at the world of car jitsu. The violent video is a sharp contrast to the dreamy song, creating a dissonance that only adds to the intensity.
Romance releases this Friday, August 23, via XL Records. The band will also make their way to Philadelphia in October, closing out their US tour at The Fillmore. Check out XPN’s Concert Calendar for more details.