I Ballsed Up with Fontaines D.C.

The last time I reviewed Fontaines D.C. I was disappointed. Starburster - from their 4th album Romance - has restored my faith. However, I stand by my analysis of their ball skills; they leave much to be desired.
Full video: • Fontaines D.C. - Starb...
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[@emilyonkov2172]

They've two features which can't be denied: 1. Capability of writing good tunes 2. No fear to change it up

[@tobyjackman3212]

Never too late to return to A Hero's Death & Skinty Fia. They are both fantastic records

[@thijsmonden71]

And don't forget grian chatten solo record

[@BobutBrody]

@@thijsmonden71 surprise record of last year. loved it.

[@theartofboxing173]

Skinty Fia is excellent

[@kimberlycoberly6987]

Life was so dull without you Justin! So glad you are back!

[@himeisfred]

Skinty Fia’s their best imo you just happened to review one of the radio friendly singles vs the more interesting stuff. Try Nabokov if you get a chance

[@IndieRockerHippy]

Agreed. Love the dark sound to it. And I definitely wouldn't call it indie.

[@MrPach007]

Skinny fia is v strong album

[@spankyjeffro5320]

Nope. Videos with swearing get reviewed, too. Or no video get reviewed.

[@MsObsidian1]

You’re looking dapper today!

[@schoolofrockcary6625]

You beat me to the punch!

[@costylezz]

He just came back from high tea

[@alexcostford5912]

Justin mate you've got to have a listen to Wunderhorse, there first record is incredible and there's a new one on the way. You'd love em

[@johnminoia7153]

YES!

[@stephenennis9159]

Couldn't agree more. Proper rock music.

[@justinspaull7660]

Came across them earlier this week and can't stop listening. So good!

[@MrTweaney]

Review of Wunderhorse Teal would be great, be cool if he checked out Dead Pretties too

[@ellebeaubelle]

and they're opening for fontaines in the european leg of the tour!

[@kayajbrown]

I had the same reaction to fontaines as justin, regards "i should and want to love it but i cant". After starburster came out i went back and re-listened to their previous stuff and suddenly it sounds amazing. It's intresting that sentiment is echoed..

[@jacobkellerwelsh]

Exactly the same experience here, been listening to them non-stop since this came out and now obsessed. It's amazing how just one tune can re-frame the vision of a band in your mind, and make them that much more believable! 5* track, more power to them.

[@robslevin7555]

Guilty here too. Now I'm working my way back ...and it's thrilling ❤

[@Lanesullivan1984]

This has quickly become a go to channel for uplifting vibes!

[@theenforcer22]

Guitar in the chorus of Boys in the Better Land is identical to the rhythm guitar in the The Last Time by the Rolling Stones.

[@coldfishmusic]

Good to have you back.

[@RachelHaggar]

Love the suit and the guitar! Great to have you back.

[@steveb327]

Thanks for the video Justin, Always appreciated. When I moved from the Arizona to Stoke on Trent to be with my wife 10 years ago she played many of the Darkness albums for me and we're now I'm also a fan. I thank you for the many fond memories and it's not Christmas for us without Christmas time playing around our home, hope one day to hear you revisit the lyrics of the song to enjoy as a current release. Regards Stephen and Wendy

[@gavinmunro9690]

Welcome fellow stokie :)

[@PaulMacD1978]

Love Fontaines, really wasn't sure on Starbuster at first ... But love it now, a true "grower" ... Even the weird noises 😂

[@ollyflashman]

He's back and so is his judgment! Good to see you again Justin!

[@StanleyBertEisen]

While Justin was complaining that the guy dribbling the ball never uses the other leg, I was complaining that Justin never played, nor commented to, the most interesting part of the song (the breath-in in the chorus). As I write this, it’s still driving me crazy that he ignored it.

[@Franzquirrel]

EEEEEEUGHR!

[@keltone]

Reminds me of Tenacious D and Inward Singing lol

[@markcav3949]

Mike Patton-esque

[@chrisschofield3395]

Ol Dirty Bastid

[@dj3ix]

hahaha, that bit hits me in the nerves. It feels like that moment when you're about to throw up.

[@NeverBelieveALie]

Suits you Sir! The Fontaines DC does Ireland proud! Love 'em! This tune makes me want to dance

[@lynngilles]

Great suit. Your distain for his football skills is killing me 😂

[@hollylewis5302]

So nice to see you back at it Justin and in a suit, no less, with a new doo! 🤘

[@beckyfikes5452]

Life was dull without you Justin!!!! And you are looking so handsome in your suit 😊❤!!!!!

[@MrSingSim]

Great to see you back on the ice!

[@sah-win]

That low number of views may be due to the chatter around their “new look”. Whatever! The song is fantastic. Plus, the boys have always been quite arty so I’m not sure why people are surprised, shocked and/or let down. And, btw, it won’t be much longer before James Ford will start being referred to as the producer who worked with The Last Dinner Party.👹 And whoah! Looking fine today boss!!🖤

[@TiaLovely2017]

Starburster is a banger 🤘🔥 Can't wait for the new album to drop ❤️

[@olivierguerin3455]

My favourite band fontaines dc. Thanks for the info to how much we play this song

[@NeverBelieveALie]

I really appreciate how the lead singer is open about suffering from panic attacks with his ADHD, it validates so many others who easily suffer the same.

[@MariaFrancesca]

Oh, very nice suit today! 🙂 Matches that beautiful guitar very nicely!

[@kathrynhegedus]

To quote Van Halen, "that suit is youuuu!" 😍

[@babyrne78]

Justin!! Youve done it! Ive been trying to think of who they remind me of ... And with you playing the chords of boys in the better land i finally have it!!! Its the LA's "doldrum"!!!!

[@Dandiesonthinice]

Welcome back!! Two months. I searched for you recently to see if I’d missed anything. And breath.

[@charlieblack3253]

A hero’s death and Skinty Fia are the two best albums of the last decade! Worth a revisit

[@rustyshackelford934]

Loving the giant Hasselhoff overlooking everything you do.

[@sharond2171]

Justin, you said you’d cover Jeff Buckley again and it’s his anniversary next week, so maybe it’s time?! Great to see you back

[@theBRT1955]

Glad you're back Justin. Looking sharp today my man!

[@beatdead7800]

Probably the highest honor/ accolade to have J H look at your track. His scope is so wide also! Love it all!

[@lovenailpolish3]

I really am so glad to see you again, AGAIN! I was worried if you were ok. This may be your best hair yet. I love that guitar also.

[@florencenightanday2672]

I really enjoyed their last 3 albums. Wasn’t so keen on Starburster ..But Justin Hawkins Rides Again analysis has opened my mind a little to possibly enjoying it in the future . Thoroughly enjoy your point of view, musical chops and funny banter Mr Hawkins . Good to see you’re still entertaining people

[@TheMhoram]

You should check out The Scratch, acoustic but a mix of Irish Trad & Metal, from Dublin

[@thedeadd.c.207]

I love these videos so much. As a former guitar player it reminds me of the old days and what i loved about it.

[@feelinguru-vywiththepaingu9808]

You're looking quite nice today and that guitar is beautiful!

[@sixtycoats840]

Not a big Fontaines DC fan but was quite impressed with how they managed to change their sound and change their image and arguably sound better than ever. That is a very difficult trick to pull off.

[@ragman1960]

Watching you while I wait for my plane ✈️ in Tenerife ❤

[@patrickmoraras]

Good to see you back good to hear you again!

[@nikoletta7678]

Good to have you back J-Hawk! Just been wondering whether i should quickly snap up tickets to their Madrid show next year. Going to get some listening in this weekend.

[@msell8107]

I am glad you are back!!! 🔴⚪⚫

[@Mothership7676]

You're looking quite dashing today!!

[@RC-fi8nn]

I do miss the raw garage rock sound of Dogrel, but imo Skinty Fia is their best and a modern classic. I hope this band keeps going for many years to come and builds up an excellent discography. They're certainly capable.

[@juliehartley3652]

Excellent analysis of a very good track. 👍😄

[@jacquelinemalone107]

You look dashingly dapper -- also love the hair!

[@TracyCorbin]

i haven't heard them before. I will definitely have to check out more of their music. Thanks.

[@NeverBelieveALie]

“It’s beautiful thing, the Irish accent.” Indeed it is!❤

[@Nicolasmondragon707]

Sir Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnnn!!!!! 🎸🎶🎶🎶

[@Nathfunk]

Skinty Fia is an incredible album.

[@RosieHarp]

Phwwwwoaaaar ..... That's for the beautiful guitar. The dishy chap holding it's not bad either ☺️

[@NashvilleNative-0]

I loved this song at first listen on a local Nashville, Tennessee radio station.

[@genghis26]

Starburster has been on my playlist a little while. Great tune. I'd also recommend Fairlies by Grian Chatten. Love the suit, btw.

[@thomasfioriglio]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song!!! Like you, I was taken in with Boys In The Better Land, but then nothing much after that caught my ear. Until I heard Starburster on the radio here in NY. Man, this is so good!! I have since gone back and listened to an Essential Playlist of their's on Apple Music and came to really appreciate them. In fact, they are playing Brooklyn in October and I got my tickets. Always enjoyable to watch Justin. Oh, and I have to say, I am always so impressed on your musical skills and how quickly you can pick out a melody of chord progression. Did you go to music school or are you self taught? Cheers!!

[@ornellanocentini4116]

FondainesTC😂 When I first heard the song I thought: guess what Justin Hawkins would think of it..and now…you’re back! Thanks for your review Sirrrr!

[@MatchesMalone1183]

Justin should review Grian's solo album. His solo album definitely veers from the typical indie tropes.

[@IamAlterEggo]

Justin as fellow Louis Cole fan you need to cover his new releases playing with a full orchestra (Metropole Orkest) . I cant wait for the full album

[@Mosredna]

Hey Justin, can you do a video where you geek out on guitars? Acoustic, electric, all the things! And how you learned to play?

[@Ofthegirl09]

He plays bass too..

[@Eleanorbirdy]

​@@Ofthegirl09 and keyboard

[@MicksMom365]

Loving this look. The suit and that rose guitar. Cool af.

[@johannjohann6523]

I listen on average to 4 hours of music a day. And I know my preferences are not mainstream even my Pop choices are like the B-52's. Quirkiness has its appeal. I live in America and just recently across a band that are "disbanding" after 25 years that blew me away. They're French but sing in English and have both a male and female singers. "Shaka Ponk". It's not their ability to play masterfully any genre, but their ability to "blend" genres that is one of their strengths. The second: The Vocals are off the chart GREAT! Singing, Harmonizing, ability to sing the different genres, and just layered waves of singing and vocals I haven't heard anyone do in a very long time. But They are weird as shit. Shaka Ponk - "Gung Ho". no disappointment!

[@Romany1111]

Just discovered him today. Want to forget ASAP. Fontaines D.C. is monster! Get Romance.

[@SuziQ.]

Welcome back! When do we get to see the new guitar?

[@lewismcclure1651]

I think you maybe missed the better parts of their last album. Songs like Roman Holiday and I Love You really cleared Jackie Down the Line, which was the song you listened to previously.

[@SquishyJoshy]

the new song is great! got it in my current top 10, their last album is definitely worth a listen too.

[@mylesbrand3984]

Hi man, love the channel, love the way you break down songs and introduce us leymen into some of the intricacies of your profession. Would love to see you analyse English Teacher who I think are the best new British band around. Even if they are from Yorkshire!! Signed, a Lancashire based fan 👌

[@whatsupjimmy1]

The intro was epic today! Thank you Justin!

[@Humanshieldchorus00]

On the keepy up's…. i actually think this is deliberate. I feel like it suggest the naivety of the character, he can’t keep one thought in his head and requires all his brain power to keep the ball up… he's a simple-minded guy, later you hear him chackling in a very simple-minded, childish way, and the song is a scatter gun of thoughts. Never thought I’d analyse keepy ups so much.

[@kittylou22]

Fontaines brought me here and I’ve accidentally discovered your channel Justin which my husband follows… Brucie bonus! 🙌🏻 Thing is they’ve got 4 guitarists so it’ll be difficult to unpick their tracks methinks 😂

[@joes2525]

skinty fia is an incredible album, i think you had the bad luck of reviewing one of the less interesting/typial indie songs on the album

[@mirapiccolo6601]

Today you are even more elegant and cool than usual......

[@lyrixlosthours5947]

I also thought of Strawberry Fields Forever that somehow encounters the piano from Monkey Man, The Beatle & The Stones all in one 😄

[@eweng903]

JHRA should keep his head down while at St Pancras International station because St Pancras was, back-in-the-day, beheaded. On a more musical note, I'm not sure Fontaines D.C. are going full-on post-punk with "Starburster". It leans more towards art rock. Also uncertain whether a Mellotron was used on Starburster since it can be imitated using modern computer software with a library of samples. It is, though, true that Genesis were Mellotron champions, though they recorded their albums mainly at Trident or Island studios, not Abbey Road.

[@duivvv]

You should definitely give the previous album another go. Jackie down the line is the more straightforward song on the album.

[@kunaikai]

You should check out their song Nabokov. It’s my favorite song from them

[@GernickKuik]

James Ford also just produced the excellent new Pet Shop Boys album Nonetheless. If you want, you could do a lot worse than to check out the wondeful first single and its accompanying video for Loneliness. Also, that's an excellent suit sir

[@mattwescottmusic7554]

I’m late to the party with these guys but really like what I’ve heard so far. I say Justin, what super clobber me old fruit 👌

[@ollytaylor4231]

Whilst dogrel is my favourite, AHD and skinty fia are still both fantastic records

[@TheBarroomHero321]

Fuck, I am jealous of that Atkin. Beautiful guitar.

[@charlie-girl72]

hi justin, i discovered this band very late, but what an amazing sound! very original in my opinion. grreat band! my spotify plays them a lot! absolutley brill!

[@WillemV203]

Hey Justin, can you check out the song 'Shadow in the Sun' by Joe P? It just might be one of the best riffs of the decade

[@nathy8979]

Diiv - Brown Paper Bag next please Justin. From the new album out May 26th x

[@MassiveCatLittleLegs]

Justin should do a video on Big Special. Postindustrial Hometown Blues is the best debut in yonks, Blsck Country Githic is a banger of a tune. The world needs to know!!!

[@Elwooddudes]

Think I felt the same…. Came out and were rockin, then didn’t bother with them for a bit, but the new track is amazing! Love the chorus vocals!

[@benhardy2225]

I had Justin beatboxes on my bingo card for this video before I hit play. Somehow I just knew that drum beat would draw it out of you.

[@dipcovers]

i also loved the guitar triads on the chorus. love to find someone else that actually noticed them

[@descendingforth]

What a tune!🔥🍀

[@maketheworldabetterplace4evry1]

Their music helped me to clean up and declutter a room the other night. So, thanks! 🙂

[@gnunard]

Looking forward to hearing you at SRF 2024

[@mel_mouu]

Would love your thoughts on new Amyl and the Sniffers.

[@youngdylan5083]

Absolutely shite is the thoughts.

[@daveydavelawrence5466]

Looking smart.

[@porridgegoats7976]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE… Do an episode on Blinding Faith by Knocked Loose. I think you will love it. By god it’s obnoxious but so beautifully put together.

[@FDockerty]

Would love to see Justin react to any Wunderhorse song! One of the beat UK bands at the moment.

[@rainydayofficial8767]

I would love you compose "Easter is cancelled" sequel. You may find it very challenging. Don't be lazy.

[@Mialamorena1]

That my dear is a bad ass suit, and the highlights in your hair light up your whole face!!! LOVE 😍 First hearing of this band and that is a cool 😎 and unique song. Going now to have a full listen 🎧 Thank you👍🏾

[@cherylwitter5038]

So glad you are back

[@Fatima81313]

Love your suit! Lookin' very handsome today!

[@philipperry9372]

Welcome back !

[@BrendanJordan-d8i]

Boys in the Better Land was the one song in the last maybe 6 years that blew my socks orf .

[@ledad632]

Looking mighty fine Justin 😍 love that suit