Fontaines D.C., the Dublin-based band, have established themselves as one of the most exciting new bands around via a series of scratchy and dark tunes clearly indebted to the world of post-punk. However, there is more than one string to the Irish band's bow, as they show on the tender and contemplative new single "Roy's Tune."
"Roy's Tune" appears on the band's forthcoming debut album Dorgel, out April 12, and was written by guitarist Conor Curley after a late-night walk through his city. The video, directed by Liam Papadachi and premiering above, also offers a window into life after dark via a young farmer who leaves his family at home to enjoy a night drinking Guiness until the sun rises with his friends.
Speaking to The FADER via email, Conor discussed "Roy's Tune" and the story behind it: "It’s sung to Ireland and comes from a mindset of frustration, depression, and a loss of innocence," he said. "I used to work in the service industry, at a small burrito place in Dublin, and I’d walk home at night because I couldn’t afford public transportation. One night on my way home I was walking by The George, which is the biggest gay nightclub in Dublin, and a guy was getting kicked out by the bouncers. He kept yelling at them, “I’m gonna kill you stone dead!” and that turn of phrase stuck out to me.
"A couple years back the EU awarded Ireland €14 billion in back taxes from Apple, but the government here refuses to do anything with the money out of fear Apple will move their headquarters. They care more about a giant corporation than the people of our country, and all we can do is sit there and take it.
"We wanted this to be a moment of reflection on the album. We included this song with the purpose of showing our intent as a band and as ongwriters. We intend to explore whatever emotions or ideas we see, not just make 'another post-punk album'."
Fontaines D.C. will perform in the U.S. for the first-time this weekend with two shows at New York's Union Pool March 7 and 8 ahead of a trip to SXSW.