Words: Josh Parsonage
‘In The Modern World’ could soundtrack epics. The encapsulating and spherical nature of the way in which the synths harmonize Conor Deegan’s harrowing backing vocals would be a fitting close to Solaris (1972). Frontman Grian Chatten’s agonising introspection into his own emotional dispositions make for a track which leaves the listener with a whole new personal outlook.
Fontaines D.C. are only days away from the release of their fourth studio album, ‘Romance’. The lead single ‘Starburster’ took the industry by storm, and alongside the success of their previous effort ‘Skinty Fia’ makes the record one of the most highly anticipated this year. ‘In the Modern World’ is the fourth and final single from the album and leaves us eagerly counting down to Friday.
The track meticulously explores the visceral reliance on person-to-person attachment throughout the devouring staticity that radiates from Western consumerism. As the band carefully lower us into the track with a mellowing set of muted chords Chatten sets up his emotional observations. The Irishman draws upon the contrast in the passage of time with and without a lover before in the most beautiful yet brutal way dropping us into the chorus.
The chorus itself is filled out around some of Chatten’s most personable vocal work to date. Each line is delivered with an emotional withdrawal which carries underneath it a subtle tone of anger, pairing perfectly with the lyrics: “I don’t feel anything/In the modern world/I don’t feel bad, Charlene”. The arcadian way in which the music expands around and completely smothers the listener succeeds in removing us from reality whilst instilling a deep emotional awareness.
Fontaines D.C. have created a complete work of art; from the way in which the listener instinctively wants to shut their eyes and spin around, to the unavoidable emotional takeaway. ‘In The Modern World’ feels without flaw, and epitomises the extraordinary breadth of the Dublin rockers’ impressive catalogue.
Rockstars HQ 
Leave a comment