Fontaines DC - Dopamine Chamber

Fontaines DC - Dopamine Chamber

words: Corey Grange

Today I'll be Chatten about Dopamine Chamber. It's here at long last. 'Six Shot Morning' opens the album with the monotone ramblings of Chatten, obviously. They're leaning into electro here, which is a great sound for these lads. The instrumental shines on this tune. 'Marianne' is one of their best singles yet, catchy and Depeche Mode-ish. Count me in. Grian is in his higher register here too, which always works for me. 'Mimesis' has shades of U2 in the bassline and has an infectious melody. What more can one ask for? Chatten does his "Charlene" whisper thing here, a crowd pleaser. The most 80s synth line of all time too. 'Happy For You' is about the destruction of a relationship. The end of that tune is going to be mega live. 'Demolition' is very Romance. The less said about 'Tongue' the better. Es haitch one tee. 'One Man' may be the best track on the album, as orchestral yearning will always win me over. Possibly the best Chatten has ever sounded? If 'Where Is Gone' isn't the next Bond theme, then I will riot in the streets. 'You Miss Me' has early Cure atmosphere at times, but also sounds like the opening riff of 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!' by ABBA. Shades of trip hop here, inject it into my veins. At their best when they're dark. 'Japan' is bright and summery, can't wait to crack open a can with that one on. One of the best on this album. 'Intimate' is the album closer, and sounds like the sister track of 'One Shot Morning'. Dancey, pulsating, Chatten rappen? This is a great album. Not their best, but they haven't taken a wrong step. What a year for music. Spoiled brats R us.