Formed in 2017, the post-punk band Fontaines D.C. have experienced an impressive trajectory in the last few years. With a shared love for poetry, the quintet fronted by Grian Chatten always stun with a high-energy, passionate set.

They’ve had quite the rapid rise to stardom. Their debut album ‘Dogrel’ was listed as Rough Trade’s Album of the Year in 2019, as well as being nominated for the Mercury Prize. Since then, they’ve released two more much-loved albums, most recently ‘Skinty Fia’ in 2022, toured internationally and sold out Alexandra Palace. How have they managed to pack it all in? The band never shy away from experimenting, proving they’re able to evolve with every new album.

They’re about to take America by storm with a headline tour in September, but for now they have drawn a crowd as far as the eye can see, ready to see them make their Reading Festival debut. Highlights included classics ‘Sha Sha Sha’, ‘Too Real’ and ‘Televised Mind.’ Mosh pits propped up all over as soon as the first chords were struck, with Irish flags on the shoulders of proud revellers in the crowd.

They even brought up a fan (Dexter) to play guitar for one of their oldest singles ‘Boys in the Better Land’, which went down an absolute storm with the packed-out, rowdy crowd, whilst newer songs such as ‘Jackie Down The Line’ and closing track ‘I Love You’ were met with the same adoration.

The band combined Irish angst with their beautiful, poetic lyricism which is delivered so effortlessly by Grian, making for a truly captivating show.