Tag Archives: Enola Gay

Indie Punk, New Music, Post Punk

Enola Gay ‘Sofa Surfing’

Following their anti-racism debut hit ‘The Birth of a Nation’ and performances at the well-established and highly regarded showcases, Ireland Music Week, Eurosonic and SXSW, Belfast mob Enola Gay make their highly anticipated return with the first track they wrote, ‘Sofa Surfing’. 


Riding in on a rampant bassline ‘Sofa Surfing’ is a manic post-punk triumph and a fantastic example of Enola Gay’s exhilarating sound. The song curdles with angst as it ferments within a dark reverb-filled soundscape while sharp guitars lacerate through the deft drum assault. The striking vocals spit venomous lyrics that reveal a deeply personal insight into the fallout of a turbulent chapter in the band’s teens. They discuss how subsequent substance abuse followed an eviction from their home. The swarming instrumentation and abrasive guitar highlights the destruction within the band’s lives at that time as the tune spirals into a psychedelic crescendo of turmoil. Enola Gay are not a band to pull punches. Their first-rate musicianship is laced in raw emotion, passionate songwriting and remarkable musical prowess. ‘Sofa Surfing’ is a spectacular example of this bands blossoming and exciting sound.


Stream ‘Sofa Surfing’ below 


Author : Danu

Electronic, New Music

Enola Gay ’The Birth of a Nation’ (Mount Palomar Remix)’

Two of Ireland’s most exciting new acts, Enola Gay and PRS Techno Act Of 2020, Mount Palomar, combine on the visceral Black Lives Matter protest track,’The Birth of a Nation’. Written in the wake of the death of George Floyd, the original song was a response to the institutional racism that has plagued society for centuries. Having witnessed abhorrent prejudice aimed at a black friend on the streets of Belfast in the subsequent BLM protests, songwriters Joe McVeigh and Fionn Reilly felt compelled to call out the deplorable actions of those who stand in the way of unity and tolerance. Equally sickened by the rise of a jingoistic nationalism that has seen racism and fascism normalised once again, upon hearing the track, Berghain live act Mount Palomar stepped in to add his own unique, experimental twist on the punk anthem. 

’The Birth of a Nation’ (Mount Palomar Remix)’ heightens the piercing angst of the original track. Mount Palomar smudges thick electronics onto the songs barbed soundscape while the shrilling whines on guitar soar through the dark rapid beats and flashing synths as Mount Palomar creates a manic frenzied soundscape with light glimmers of relief between. The remix maintains the tracks searing, ominous tones while enhancing the intensity and gnarly elements to create a wholly invigorating and tantalizing number for the listener to indulge in.

About the remix Neil Kerr aka Mount Palomar said  “Before coming on board the remix, I questioned whether my input, as a white male living in Belfast, felt appropriate in dealing with such complex subject matter. However, given the appalling rise in jingoism worldwide and Trump’s willingness to fan the flames of division, I felt compelled to add my voice to those protesting against inequality and injustice. Without getting too heavy and self absorbed, as a gay kid growing up in Belfast in the 90s I unfortunately experienced the sense of shame that was almost inevitable in those days as a young gay male bullied for something out of my control. That feeling of self disgust that instilled a prolonged longing to be someone else, has had a lasting impact on my mental well being and to see that so many people are still persecuted due to their skin colour, sexuality, social standing etc… remains a source of huge frustration and disgust.”

Stream ’The Birth of a Nation’ (Mount Palomar Remix) below


Author : Danu

Indie, Indie Punk, New Music, Post Punk

Enola Gay ‘The Birth of a Nation’

Belfast noise rock/post-punk band Enola Gay have released their debut single ‘The Birth Of A Nation’.The band is comprised of Fionn Reilly on vocals, Joe McVeigh on guitar,  Adam Cooper on Bass and Stevie Curtis on Drums. 

‘The Birth of a Nation’ is a raw, rampaging debut from Enola Gay. The band lacerate sharp guitar lines through a rumbling bass to create a thrilling and unnerving intense sound. The verses revolve around the rooted bassline while wailing on guitar occasionally pines throughout. The song erupts with electric shocks as it progresses with elements reminiscent of The Prodigy while the lyrics address systematic oppressions and how racism still spreads in the streets of Belfast. Fionn Reilly spits the rapid lyrics with disdain and angst while the blistering and unsettling guitars jolt and shrill with a haunting quality. ‘The Birth of a Nation’ is an uncompromising dose of unadulterated post punk and a fantastic musical display from Enola Gay.

The video for the track features shots of the many instances of police brutality within the height of recent Black Lives Matter protests in America and worldwide.

Watch the video below


Author : Danu