Starburster

"Starburster" is a song by Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. It was released on 17 April 2024 as the lead single from the band's fourth studio album Romance.

The song was the band's first entry on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 59.

Background
The song was written about a panic attack that frontman Grian Chatten suffered at London's St Pancras station.

NME described "Starburster" as a "pensive art-rock beast that fuses elements of electronica and hip-hop". Consequence labeled it "trip-hop-infused" with "hip-hop-esque production" that frames Fontaines D.C. "as much more than just a gang of Irish rockers." Rolling Stone believed it to be a "funky, disco-rock track". Clash wrote of its construction: "An elegant string loop precedes tasteful piano before being consumed by a bulky trip-hop beat."

The band debuted the song live on 7 May 2024 during their performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Reception
NME gave "Starburster" a five-star review, praising how it "captures that shock of trying to grasp reality amidst all the chaos." The Irish Times rated it four stars out of five, comparing it to Shygirl, The Prodigy and Björk's song "Army of Me". Consequence bestowed the "Song of the Week" honor to the track for its "remarkably well-constructed composition, one that pushes the band into new, unexpected places."

Music video
The official music video was released with the song, directed by Aube Pierre. It features Grian Chatten performing mundane daily activities while wounded and sometimes wearing a mask.

Commercial performance
"Starburster" debuted at No. 62 on the UK Singles Chart, the band's first entry.