Fontaines D.C. Review | "It's Amazing To Be Young"

Content Guide

Fontaines D.C. Review: You will not have to trawl through many new indie playlists until you discover something from Fontaines D.C. They are the flavour of modern times and everyone seems to want a bit of them, am I in awe of them? Not quite, not just yet anyway but I am growing more fond of them with each new release. I am going to explore their new song, “It’s Amazing To Be Young” which dropped on 21st February 2025 and is produced by James Ford, famous for many big albums such as “AM” by Arctic Monkeys and “The Ballad of Darren” by Blur.

Technical Analysis (Fontaines D.C. Review)

The song starts with 80s-esque-inspired guitar tones and the sound of droplets. After 13 seconds, we are straight into the action with the drums emerging given the track a tempo of around 143 bpm. The vocals which I hear from singer, Grian Chatten are everything I would expect. He does not really break out the mould too much from what I have heard previously, still sounding poetic with his strong Irish accent present and he has that quintessential melodramatic quality which put the band on the map in the first place.

The music though, for me is what keeps me hooked to the speakers. I get that the vocals are meant to be nonchalent, but to me, it gets a bit too lazy at times; I am aware many will disagree hence the band’s huge popularity.

Meaning (My Perception) (Fontaines D.C. Review)

The lyrics are about youthful disillusionment, routine, and the struggle for expression; something many will find relatable I am sure. The recurring phrase, “the cast brings you down, but it’s amazing to be young,” suggests a tension between the constraints of societal expectations (the “cast” possibly symbolizing roles people are forced into) and the exhilarating yet fleeting nature of youth. The chorus delves into the ritualistic nature of daily life, where waking up in darkness and assuming a role reflects a sense of monotony or emotional detachment. Grian feels misinterpreted, however, despite pouring personal honesty into their work (“sang ’em every word I had”), stressing themes of alienation and the difficulty of real connection.

The repetition in the bridge and outro reinforces both the struggle and beauty of youth, almost as if the narrator is trying to convince themselves of its significance despite the weight of expectations. This duality aligns with Fontaines D.C.’s signature introspective lyricism, where nostalgia and existential questioning often intertwine. The minimalist structure and cyclical lyrics mirror the repetitive nature of life and also performance, emphasizing a possible discontent with routine while still acknowledging the raw, fleeting energy of being young. Ultimately, the song captures the paradox of youth—both liberating and confining—wrapped in a melancholic yet anthemic delivery.

Listen To “It’s Amazing To Be Young” by Fontaines D.C.

You can listen to “It’s Amazing To Be Young” by Fontaines D.C. here. Also, do you think youth is truly liberating, or is it just another role we’re expected to play? Let me know below.

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