Fontaines D.C. unveil hypnotic new single 'Tongue' from 'Dopamine Chamber'

Irish post-punk icons Fontaines D.C. have shared ‘Tongue’, the second single from their highly anticipated fifth studio album, Dopamine Chamber, set for release on October 16 via XL Recordings. The track arrives with a self-filmed music video directed by John Angus Stewart, capturing the band in an atmospheric, blue-lit haze during a visit to New York City. The song marks another step in the band’s evolution, blending live instrumentation with experimental production techniques to create a sound that feels both visceral and disorienting—yet undeniably compelling for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

A bold leap into experimental territory

‘Tongue’ stands out as one of the most sonically adventurous tracks on Dopamine Chamber, a record that sees Fontaines D.C. moving further away from the raw, guitar-driven intensity of their earlier work. The band’s signature post-punk edge remains, but it’s now layered with electronic flourishes and studio experimentation that push their sound into uncharted territory.

Bassist Conor Deegan crafted the track’s slouchy, hypnotic bassline by manipulating tape speed—a technique famously used by Prince—while guitarist Carlos O’Connell processed frontman Grian Chatten’s vocals through a sampler, distorting them into an eerie, pitched-up echo. The result is a song that feels both physical and surreal, with Chatten’s lyrics delivered in a way that blurs the line between human emotion and mechanical alteration. As guitarist Conor Curley put it, the band “continued where Romance left off, leaving the live-band elements until they were really needed,” a nod to their 2024 UK platinum-certified album that first hinted at this shift toward a more expansive, seductive sound.

Dopamine Chamber*: A record for turbulent times

Dopamine Chamber arrives as Fontaines D.C.’s most ambitious project to date, both musically and thematically. The album explores how pleasure and escapism mutate in a world on the brink, with the band framing it as a “dopamine chamber” of their own making. “You step inside and we test these different mind or mood-altering pieces of music on you,” Chatten explained, suggesting a collection of tracks designed to challenge, seduce, and provoke in equal measure.

The record also marks a historic moment for the band: it features their first-ever guest collaborator, Spanish superstar Rosalía, who lends her vocals to the yet-unreleased track ‘Where Is Gone?’. Her appearance is a rare crossover for Fontaines D.C., whose previous albums relied solely on the chemistry of the five core members. The collaboration underscores the band’s willingness to take risks, even as they prepare for a major tour that, so far, includes no dates in the U.S.

What to expect from the album and beyond

Dopamine Chamber follows the critical and commercial success of Romance, which cemented Fontaines D.C.’s reputation as one of the most vital rock bands of their generation. While their early work—like 2019’s Dogrel and 2020’s A Hero’s Death—was defined by sharp, angular post-punk riffs and urgent lyrics, this new chapter embraces a more textured, experimental approach. Tracks like ‘Tongue’ and the previously released ‘Marianne’ suggest an album that balances raw energy with studio innovation, blending live instrumentation with electronic manipulation.

For fans eager to experience the band’s new direction live, details of their upcoming tour are still emerging. However, given their reputation for electrifying performances, the tour is likely to be a must-see for anyone who has followed their evolution from Dublin’s underground scene to global acclaim. In the meantime, ‘Tongue’ offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come—an album that promises to be as thought-provoking as it is sonically daring.

Key details at a glance

• Album: Dopamine Chamber
• Release date: October 16, 2024
• Label: XL Recordings
• Singles released so far: ‘Marianne’, ‘Tongue’
• Guest collaborator: Rosalía (on ‘Where Is Gone?’)
• Production: James Ford (known for work with Arctic Monkeys, Depeche Mode)

Fans can stream ‘Tongue’ now and pre-order Dopamine Chamber ahead of its October release. With its blend of experimentation and emotional depth, the album is poised to be one of the most talked-about rock releases of the fall.