Post-punk act Enola Gay blast Belfast rape trial in 'Through Men's Eyes'

Belfast noise act Enola Gay condemn the hugely controversial 2018 trial involving Ulster rugby players Paddy Jackson, Stuart Olding, Rory Harrison and Blane McIlroy in new track 'Through Men's Eyes'.

The blunt song channels their anger and frustration at the disturbing case which saw four rugby players stand trial in Northern Ireland, later walking free after an infamous nine-week trial. The incident at the centre of the case took place at a party in Jackson’s house in the early hours of June 28th, 2016.

Addressing toxic masculinity and its role in modern Ireland, Enola Gay call out lad culture and the perpetuation of rape culture in the guitar-heavy track.

The Belfast trial divided the nation for months, and came at a hugely emotional time for women in particular, as Repeal the 8th started to gain traction. The broken court system weighs heavy on victims of sexual violence, with a number of changes introduced after the Belfast trial took place. 'Through Men's Eyes' utilises WhatsApp messages from the four rugby players who stood trial for a range of sexual offences, rape included.

"There was a lot of spit-roasting going on last night", "any sluts get fucked?", "last night was hilarious", "we are all top shaggers", "why are we all such legends?" and "pumped a girl last night with Jacko" are just a small sample of WhatsApp messages that shocked the public when the full transcript was released, while the complainant was subject to a media frenzy as well has having her underwear passed around the court.

‘Through Men’s Eyes’ comes after the release of ‘Birth of a Nation’ and ‘Sofa Surfing'.

The quartet formed in late 2019, crafting a unique sound with socially aware vocals and a bed of reverb-soaked buzzsaw guitar layered on top of a driving rhythm. Enola Gay also draw inspiration from left-field electronica as well as post-punk heroes of the late '70s.

The band have just announced their first full tour of the UK, slated to take place in March and April 2022. after Enola Gay were selected as part of our Future of Irish Music 2021 feature alongside 14 other acts.

Check out the lyric video below (TW: sexual assault):