\n\tIn a blaze of green neon, Fontaines D.C.\u2019s<\/a> fourth LP, Romance<\/em>, tumbled down to Earth in August, ushering in a majestic new era for an act ready to level up in all aspects of its career.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tIn the months that have followed, the groundswell of adoration behind the Dublin band has felt formidable: A cursory scroll through TikTok <\/a>will show videos of young fans mimicking the five-piece\u2019s space-grunge aesthetic, clad in baggy, brightly colored sportswear while belting out the band\u2019s songs from the heart of the mosh pit. Fontaines D.C.\u2019s story has been one of resolve, of growing in confidence and spirit and always trying to stand taller than before.<\/p>\n \n\tThis sea change in the band\u2019s global popularity<\/a> has signaled a crossroads for the group in more ways than one. Upon release, Romance<\/em> charted at No. 97 in the U.S. \u2013 the band\u2019s highest entry to date on the Billboard 200<\/a> \u2013 while earlier this month, the group was nominated for two Grammys (best rock album; best alternative music performance for lead single \u201cStarburster.\u201d) Fontaines D.C. has invested the resources afforded by a new deal with seminal label XL Recordings (FKA Twigs, King Krule) into exploring the depths of its creativity, expanding on the gnarly, tender guitar anthems of the band\u2019s first three records by leaning into elements of pop and nu-metal.<\/p>\n \n\tWhen the band first emerged onto the festival touring circuit with 2019 debut Dogrel<\/em>, Fontaines D.C. often looked uneasy on stage, permitting only the briefest of smiles. Frontman Grian Chatten would grasp the air, stare into the middle distance and swing his feet in small, lolling circles \u2014 vibrating with discomfort and nervous energy, barely muttering a word to his audience. The feeling remained, though, that these early shows were only speed bumps on the road to somewhere else.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tFive years on, as Fontaines D.C. headlined the first of two nights at London\u2019s Alexandra Palace on Nov. 22, the chat may have remained at a minimum, but elevated stage production added to a rich, ubiquitous feeling of a band in its imperial phase. The addition of touring member Chilli Jesson on keyboard and backing guitar, too, only deepened the songs\u2019 darkness.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tThese were the very best moments from the night.<\/p>\n![\"Fontaines](\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fontaines-02-Alexandra-Palace-22.11.2024-cr-Pooneh-Ghana-billboard-1548.jpg?w=1024\")