Fontaines D.C. live review: Dublin heroes continue their charge towards greatness at the Eventim Apollo-rory-mckeown-Entertainment – Metro

Fontaines D.C. are Conor Curley, Carlos O’Connell, Conor Deegan, Tom Coll and Grian Chatten (Picture: AFP)

Is there a frontman as captivating as Grian Chatten right now?

The Fontaines D.C. frontman made the Eventim Apollo his own on Friday night as the Dublin five-piece headlined the historic venue on night two of their three show residency.

Swaggering around the stage with energy in abundance, Chatten embodies the intriguing allure of Ian Curtis and the rock god confidence of Liam Gallagher as he’s backed by the wondrous musicianship of guitarists Carlos O’Connell and Conor Curley, bassist Conor Deegan and drummer Tom Coll.

It’s a remarkable ascent to greatness for Chatten and co. Only five years ago they were playing to dozens of people at tastemaker venues like the Victoria in Dalston. Thanks to their nigh on perfect album run of Dogrel, A Hero’s Death and 2022’s Skinty Fia, they’ve headlined and sold out everywhere from Alexandra Palace to tonight’s legendary setting. And with numerous festival appearances under their belts – including lauded sets at Glastonbury and Reading this year – Fontaines D.C. were in fine mood to put on a show.

The Hammersmith venue was packed to the rafters and given an early treat thanks to support act Wunderhorse, who boasted the baggiest trousers in west London.

The project of Newquay songwriter Jacob Slater ensured the crowd were suitably energised as he played through cuts from his debut album Cub. Standouts included the psych-grunge tinged Poppy and radio friendly rock freak out Leader of the Pack. Expect more of him in 2023.

Onto Fontaines D.C., then, who took to the stage with the Skinty Fia powerhouse Nabokov before upping the pace with the frenetic A Lucid Dream. But it was Skinty Fia opener In ar gCroithe go deo that truly showcased why Fontaines D.C. are arguably Europe’s biggest band right now. Backed by a string section (yep, you read right), Grian’s repeated vocals “gone is the day, gone is the night, gone is the day” were underlayed by an almost hypnotic battle cry from the two Conors and Carlos of “In ar gCroithe”. It’s a spine tingling moment.

Dogrel favourites Hurricane Laughter and Sha Sha Sha whip up the crowd while the explosive A Hero’s Death giant A Televised Mind melts our minds with the blue and red light show creating an effect similar to wearing those 3D glasses popular in the 90s. It’s a mesmerising three minutes.

What’s also clear from tonight’s set is how tracks from Skinty Fia generate the biggest reactions of the night. The Brit Pop-esque Jackie Down The Line sparks a huge singalong that’s surely going to cement festival headline status soon enough while the electro banger Skinty Fia turned the Hammersmith building into a rave.

Grian displayed insular vulnerability with his rendition of The Couple Across the Way. Gone were his usual bandmates; instead the string section were there to support as he stood alone in front of the audience. His tight microphone grip shielded his face has he told of a fractured love inspired by neighbours who lived near him in Caledonian Road.

There’s very little crowd interaction tonight but you don’t need it when you’re this good. We’re treated to an encore of crowd favourites Be Real and Boys In The Better Land before rounding it off with the enormous I Love You, which is going to be a focal point of their sets for years to come.

Expect Fontaines D.C. to be headlining the Other Stage at Glastonbury before an ascent up the Pyramid Stage before long. And I wouldn’t be surprised if we see them top the bill at Reading. This was a triumphant night.

Entertainment – MetroRead More