Skinty Fia came out in April 2022 and marked a big moment for Fontaines D.C. — it’s their third album, following Dogrel and A Hero’s Death, and it’s the first one that hit number one in both the UK and Ireland. The title comes from an old Irish phrase that roughly translates to “the damnation of the deer,” which kind of sets the tone for an album that feels both rooted in identity and emotionally raw.

Musically, the album still sits in that broad post‑punk landscape the band is known for, but it feels a bit richer and more expansive than their earlier, scrappier work. There are driving rhythms and jagged guitars, but also moments where the band lets atmosphere and mood take centre stage. Grian Chatten’s vocals carry that punchy Dublin delivery, and there’s a real sense of tension and release throughout the record. It’s urgent, sometimes brooding, but always compelling.

Standout songs like “Jackie Down the Line” and “Roman Holiday” show off their knack for hooks that hit hard while still feeling distinctly their own, and “I Love You” brings an almost unbearably earnest edge that sticks with you. Even tracks that aren’t as immediately catchy reward your attention because the band layers textures and emotions in smart ways.

What keeps Skinty Fia interesting and worth revisiting is how it balances grit with melody and heart. It can feel fierce or introspective on different spins, but it never loses that raw, lived‑in energy that makes you want to come back and hear what new detail you catch each time. It’s a record that sounds like a band fully in their stride.