Live review: Fontaines D.C. at Eventim Apollo, London

With the release of 'Skinty Fia', which is widely accepted as one of the best album releases of 2022, it is fair to say that 2022 has been a good year for Fontaines D.C. Culminating with a huge tour of the UK, it has given audiences a chance to see the songs from the new album fully realised.

That can be seen in the string section that appears alongside the band on occasion throughout their set, which only serves to further emphasise the weighty gut punches of Grian Chatten's lyricism. New tracks such as 'Jackie Down The Line' go down a treat, the tale of a villainous lover seeing Chatten skulk around the stage mic stand in hand.

The band's catalogue has been nothing short of exemplary so far, from 'Dogrel' to 'A Hero's Death' and the aforementioned 'Skinty Fia', with the band plucking out songs that make for a night of intensity, mosh pits and emotional reprieve. 'Sha Sha Sha' is the first track where it feels as though the entirety of the Eventim Apollo is moving in triumphant tandem. 

Each track seems to see the crowd surge further and further towards their idols on stage. The music of Fontaines D.C. is not all hooks and riffs, it reaches much further down from surface level and strikes a chord on a deeper, more personal level. You can see that in the faces of adoration all around at their shows.

The most affecting moment of the night is just before the encore, as Chatten stands alone backed only by the string section as he wholeheartedly performs 'The Couple Across The Way', attention is so tight to him it feels like he's the centre of gravity. They finish with 'Too Real' before the fist-pumping 'Boys In The Better Land'.

The last note goes to 'I Love You', a song that exemplifies just how brilliant the lyricism of 'Skinty Fia' is as it serves as a love letter to somebody and to the band's native Ireland. With confetti flying out from the sky, it is a truly celebratory and passionate ending that feels like a resounding seal of approval for the latest era of Fontaines D.C.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image credit: Dan Reid Photography