The Fontaines D.C. frontman explores his talents as a solo artist.

Following the largely successful trio of album’s Grian Chatten has released with Irish post-punk band, Fontaines D.C., he demonstrates his confidence and musicality in his first solo album Chaos For The Fly. Allowing himself to take the tracks in any direction possible; this record is evidence that Grian Chatten is one of the most interesting and refreshing musicians in a saturated genre.

Opening with his debut single, The Score, Grian Chatten immediately establishes his ability to impress. The enchanting finger-picking guitar and distinctive layered vocals inject the track with intrigue. The Score perfectly introduces the listener to Chatten as a solo artist; ensuring there are no apprehensions regarding his ability to craft a cohesive track.  

The commanding guitar and drums that are found frequently in Fontaines D.C. tracks are heard at the beginning of Last Time Every Time Forever. Dan Carey — the producer who has worked closely with Fontaines D.C. — also co-produced Chaos For The Fly, and his production style is definitely heard here. Experimenting with keys and string instruments, this adds an intricate depth to the track, as well as the stunning vocal feature from Georgie Jesson. The pairs vocals blend together to form complimentary melodies to the other instrumentals on the track. 

The influence of the Irish coast on Chatten’s music is heard on the track Fairlies. Folk sounding guitar opens the song; filling it with energy to contrast with the vulnerability of the lyrics. This openness in lyrics has been shown in Fontaines D.C. tracks such as Roy’s Tune, but it feels as if Chaos For The Fly is a further extension of Grian Chatten’s incredible lyricism. Lyrics such as “Anger makes you weak and turns you sick” are beautifully raw displays of humanity.

Bob’s Casino opens with a Broadway esque brass section, perhaps alluding to ‘tired casino’ Chatten has said to have found a huge amount of inspiration from for this record. This track has many layers to it; ranging from more mellow moments to angelic sections led by Georgie Jesson’s vocals. Chatten also demonstrates his impressive vocal range that complement the lyrics wonderfully. 

The following track, All Of The People, allows the album to slow in pace. Beautiful piano surges throughout the track which serves as the perfect backing to the sentimental lyrics. Strings feature once again, allowing for a refreshing, new sound.

The distinctive guitar style returns in East Coast Bed, as well as the drums acting as a highlight to pull together the track for a more chill, summery sound. The lyrics explore the life of young woman; Chatten has said how he approached writing like “writing for a play and writing different characters for a script”, and this is clear in the depth of lyricism on the track.

Salt Throwers Off A Truck continues this sound, this time including impressive vocal runs. As the song progresses the guitar forefronts the build-up of passion. I Am So Far features the keys previously heard and merges gorgeously with the echo of the electric guitar. 

The final track, Season For Pain, is a marriage of all the highlights previously heard on the album in just one track. Starting with a slower pace, showcasing angelic layered vocals, before an injection of gritty electric guitar. Interesting high keys are used as a way to build the track up into an incredible closing song. 

There is no doubt that Fontaines D.C. are one of the most exciting and talented bands in the music scene at the moment — and Grian Chatten as a solo artist is no different. Chaos For The Fly is an incredible extension of his talent and confidence to create intriguing and detailed tracks without the security of the band. 

Chaos For The Fly is out June 30th via Partisan Records. Pre-order here.