Dublin-based post-punk outfit Fontaines D.C have made the Grammy shortlist for best rock album with their July 2020 release “A Hero’s Death”. The album, their second full-length release, received widespread critical acclaim upon its release by critics in Ireland and abroad. The Grammy nomination puts the band in competition with The Strokes, Sturgill Simpson, Grace Porter and 2020 Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka for the coveted award.
“A Hero’s Death” may be just their second album, but Fontaines D.C have already received their fair share of critical and commercial success since they released their debut album, “Dogrel”, in 2019.
“Dogrel” was named Rough Trade Records’ album of the year in 2019, and also topped BBC Radio 6 Music’s albums of the year list, whilst also earning them a Mercury Prize nomination that same year. Between their first and second albums, the band spent much of their time touring Europe and the United States, ultimately writing and completing much of “A Hero’s Death” while on the road.
“A Hero’s Death” has been a breath of fresh air for a post-punk scene that has found itself somewhat stagnant over the past few years – and people have definitely noticed. Not only has the album been nominated for a Grammy this year, but it also claimed the number two spot on this year’s BBC Radio 6 Music’s albums of the year list.
Not many people can walk away from 2020 feeling good, but with a #2 album in the UK and a Grammy nomination for best rock album, Fontaines D.C might be able to. The band, who met at the BIMM music school in Dublin, have put their mark on the world music scene, and it feels like the sky is the limit for them.
Nicolas Murphy
Entertainment & Lifestyle Editor
Fontaines D.C’s whirlwind year has culminated in their first-ever Grammy nomination
