As the warm weather begins to deplete, the leaves begin to fall and the cold blanket of autumn begins to cover the earth, feelings of warmth and the freedom of summer start to feel like only a past memory. The overwhelmingly haunting angst and uneasy atmosphere of Fontaines D.C.’s single off their newest album perfectly embodies the feelings of nostalgia, melancholy and perhaps anxiety that come with the new season. 

“It may feel bad /

It may feel bad” 

The Irish post-punk band’s newest album, Romance, released in late August 2024, blends experimental instrumentals and rhythms, complemented by mesmerizing and drawing vocals, seeming to embody the lead singer, Grian Chatten’s, anxieties. However, the most intriguing track off the indie rock album is “Starburster.” 

The song begins with heavy reverb and an atmospheric keyboard sound, almost foreshadowing the musical turmoil that is soon to come. As the booming bass and drums — the heartbeat of the song — join the other instruments, we are slingshotted into a mesmerizing blend of angst and anxiety, almost similar to feelings evoked by the ‘80s new wave sound of similar autumn artists such as The Cure or Joy Division. The verse begins with the singer’s stream of consciousness, as he attempts to describe the intensity he feels in the moments leading up to a panic attack. However, it isn’t until the chorus that we are thrown into the headbanging chaos. 

“I’m gon’ hit your business if its momentary blissness / 

I’m gon’ hit your business if its momentary blissness” 

The existential meltdown we are shoved into is manifested in the aggression of the chorus as Chatten forces his anger toward the world in a loud, almost rap. As the heavy instrumentals and lyrics swarm, each chorus line is stopped abruptly by a gasp, as if Chatten is gasping for air and struggling to breathe. The raw energy of the chorus almost takes everything out of the singer, as if he is experiencing panic along with us. 

“Starburster” is an experience rather than just a song. It embodies lively dread and angst, exemplified by the lyrics and instrumentals of a perfect autumn song. If melancholy, sadness, hope or dread are any emotions you experience during the changing of the seasons, “Starburster” is the perfect song to embrace the fall spirit.