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Live: FONTAINES D.C. // First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN

Touring to celebrate the release of their third album Skinty Fia, Irish rockers Fontaines D.C. delighted a packed First Avenue crowd last weekend.

Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022

Partisan Records labelmates Just Mustard warmed up the crowd with a subdued and haunting set. Their lowkey stage presence complimented lead singer Katie Ball’s delicate vocals. Fans were treated to tunes from the soon-to-be released sophomore record Heart Under, due for release May 27th.

Roaring cheers mark the appearance of Fontaines D.C. as they ascend the stairs to the First Avenue stage. The first few thrumming notes of In ár gCroíthe go deo ring throughout the dimly lit venue. Lead singer Grian Chatten slowly paces in loops around the stage, holding a small flower. As the crowd’s anticipation builds, so does the song’s energy. The song reaches its peak in a flurry of sound and strobing lights. Fontaines D.C. has arrived.

After blasting onto the international scene in 2019 with stunning performances at SXSW, Fontaines D.C. has now established themselves in the hearts of their devoted fans. Their First Avenue mainroom appearance was long-awaited. Initially scheduled in First Avenue’s side venue 7th St Entry for September 2019, the show was canceled and never rescheduled due to the pandemic.

The energy in the room shifted during Chequeless Reckless as fans in the center of the crowd started thrashing around. The quintet rocketed into Televised Mind immediately following. Not often allowing for much space in between songs, and with Chatten’s signature mantra-like vocal delivery, their setlist slowly merges together into one near continuous soundtrack. It is amazingly hypnotic. Recalling their Mohawk (Austin, TX) performance in March 2019, I remember being equally mesmerized by Chatten’s stage presence. Occasionally he would pound his mic stand on the stage, reducing it to a stump before readjusting. His methodical pacing, punctuated by spontaneous, erratic moments, help to focus the audience’s attention. I can only describe it as Chatten acting as a guidepost aiding the observer in navigating the chaotic sonic landscape.

The band’s three-song encore began with the title track Skinty Fia. I was pleased to hear so many songs from across their discography, and the set was balanced with an appropriate representation of their recent album. Ending with fan-favorite Jackie Down the Line, Fontaines D.C. expressed their gratitude to the crowd. The North American tour concludes next week before the group makes their way to the UK/EU to continue with an impressive 2022 touring schedule.

Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022 Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022 Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022 Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022 Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022 Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022 Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022 Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022 Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022 Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022 Fontaines D.C. - First Avenue Minneapolis - GIG GOER 2022Photos: Morgan Winston