The ascent of Fontaines DC has been dizzyingly quick: formed in 2017, they already have three stellar albums to their name, including their classic debut Dogrel. The NME recently named them the ‘best band in the world’ – not bad for one who were cutting their teeth in the backrooms of pubs five years ago. With acclaim comes crowds, and Fontaines DC can now comfortably fill venues like Swansea Arena, where they played live on Saturday night.

Support came from Wunderhorse, the solo project of former Dead Pretties frontman Jacob Slater, whose grunge-inspired indie was welcomed with some enthusiasm from the gathering crowd. Slater displayed strong musicianship, and has a heck of a voice, but a few of the songs felt like jam sessions rather than finished pieces of work – the more concise, melodic efforts worked much better. 

Then, the main event, and a huge cheer as Fontaines DC strode onto the stage. The opening trio of A Hero’s Death, Sha Sha Sha and Television Screens were played with vim and vigour, but the crowd’s response was strangely subdued. This was partly due to sound issues during the early songs, but the larger problem was the room itself; its height gives the feel of a school gymnasium, and is not ideal for the concentrated noise of a rock gig. 

Fontaines frontman Grian Chatten seemed aware of this lack of energy, prowling the stage and trying to urge the crowd to life, but it wasn’t until a raucous rendition of Too Real that the gig took flight. Only then did the crowd’s reaction reflects the band’s performance, which was superb throughout. Chatten is an excellent frontman, charismatic and towering, with a voice perfectly suited to the dark, chaotic music that soundtracks his poetic lyricism.

The show’s second half was electric, and the crowd were re-energised. By the time we reached the anthemic encore – Big, Boys In The Better Land and I Love You – there was a sense the night had been another job well done for one of the best live bands around.

Fontaines DC + Wunderhorse, Swansea Arena, Sat 19 Nov

words JOSHUA REES photos ANTHONY CONWAY