Fontaines D.C. have released a new single, “Tongue,” ahead of their upcoming album Dopamine Chamber. The track is the second preview from the Irish rock band’s sixth record, which is due out October 16.
The band shot the video during a trip to New York, directed by John Angus Stewart. Guitarist Conor Curley described the song as a continuation of where the band’s previous album, Romance, left off.
New York Video, Stewart-Directed
Curley said the song “continued where Romance left off, leaving the live-band elements until they were really needed.” The video captures the band in New York, working through the track.
The band’s visit to the city is documented in the Stewart-directed visual. The footage presents the group as they are, rather than staged for effect.
The Track’s Production
The press release explains that “Tongue” features a tape-manipulated bassline from Conor Deegan and a Grian Chatten vocal line distorted in a sampler, thanks to handiwork from guitarist Carlos O’Connell.
The production credit goes to James Ford, who worked on the full album. The approach Curley describes — holding back the live-band elements until they were truly needed — suggests a recording process that leans heavily on studio manipulation rather than raw performance.
The Album and Its Guest Star
Dopamine Chamber is the band’s sixth studio album. The record was produced by James Ford and will be released on October 16.
The band has announced a major tour to support the release, though no U.S. dates have been confirmed yet.
One big addition to the album is Rosalía, who appears on the track “Where Is Gone?” as the sole guest feature. The Spanish singer is the first guest on any Fontaines D.C. record.
Bono’s Impression of Rosalía
The story takes an unexpected turn when it comes to another famous collaborator. Bono recently pulled out of asking Rosalía to appear on the new U2 album. Instead, he decided to do an impression of her instead.
The comparison between the two approaches is stark. Fontaines D.C. brought Rosalía in for a duet, while U2’s frontman opted for a impersonation after backing out of the collaboration entirely.
Key Facts Box
- Album: Dopamine Chamber
- Release date: October 16
- Guest feature: Rosalía on “Where Is Gone?”
- Label: XL
- Tour: Announced, no U.S. dates confirmed
- Production: James Ford
The video for “Tongue” is available to watch now. The track stands as a strong preview of what is to come on Dopamine Chamber, and the Rosalía collaboration adds a layer of star power that sets this album apart from anything Fontaines D.C. have done before.
The band’s decision to let the song breathe before bringing in the live band elements points to an album that is built around studio work. The distorted vocals and manipulated bassline suggest a sound that pushes the band’s usual approach.
The tour will give fans the chance to hear these new songs live, and the absence of U.S. dates so far means international audiences will have to wait to see if the band travels across the Atlantic.
For now, “Tongue” is a reminder of why Fontaines D.C. remain a major presence in rock right now.
See the video the story is built around at Pitchfork.
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