"Starburster" is a song by Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. It was released on 17 April 2024 as the lead single from the band's fourth studio album Romance.
"Starburster" | ||||
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Single by Fontaines D.C. | ||||
from the album Romance | ||||
Released | 17 April 2024 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:41 | |||
Label | XL | |||
Composer(s) |
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Producer(s) | James Ford | |||
Fontaines D.C. singles chronology | ||||
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The song was the band's first entry on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 59.
Background edit
The song was written about a panic attack that frontman Grian Chatten suffered at London's St Pancras station.[1]
NME described "Starburster" as a "pensive art-rock beast that fuses elements of electronica and hip-hop".[2] Consequence labeled it "trip-hop-infused" with "hip-hop-esque production" that frames Fontaines D.C. "as much more than just a gang of Irish rockers."[3] Rolling Stone believed it to be a "funky, disco-rock track".[4] Clash wrote of its construction: "An elegant string loop precedes tasteful piano before being consumed by a bulky trip-hop beat."[5]
The band debuted the song live on 7 May 2024 during their performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[6]
Reception edit
NME gave "Starburster" a five-star review, praising how it "captures that shock of trying to grasp reality amidst all the chaos."[2] The Irish Times rated it four stars out of five, comparing it to Shygirl, The Prodigy and Björk's song "Army of Me".[7] Consequence bestowed the "Song of the Week" honor to the track for its "remarkably well-constructed composition, one that pushes the band into new, unexpected places."[3]
Music video edit
The official music video was released with the song, directed by Aube Pierre. It features Grian Chatten performing mundane daily activities while wounded and sometimes wearing a mask.[8]
Commercial performance edit
"Starburster" debuted at No. 62 on the UK Singles Chart, the band's first entry.[9]
Charts edit
Chart (2024) | Peak position |
---|---|
Ireland (IRMA)[10] | 24 |
UK Singles (OCC)[11] | 59 |
US Adult Alternative Songs (Billboard)[12] | 33 |
References edit
- ^ "Fontaines D.C. Announce New Album 'Romance': Hear "Starburster"". Stereogum. 17 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ a b Trendell, Andrew (17 April 2024). "Fontaines D.C.'s daring comeback single 'Starburster' is their most experimental work yet". NME. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ a b "Fontaines D.C.'s "Starburster" Is Our Song of the Week". 19 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ Grow, Kory (17 April 2024). "Fontaines D.C. Set a Panic Attack to Disco-Rock on 'Starburster'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "On Returning: Fontaines D.C. - 'Starburster' | Reviews". Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews. 17 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ Skinner, Tom (8 May 2024). "Watch Fontaines D.C. give 'Starburster' live debut with simmering 'Fallon' performance". NME. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ "Starburster: Fontaines DC's thrillingly sinister new single is a dystopian belter". The Irish Times. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Fontaines D.C. Announce New Album Romance, Share Video for New Song "Starburster"". Pitchfork. 17 April 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "STARBURSTER". Official Charts. 2 May 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ "Fontaines D.C. Chart History (Adult Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 May 2024.