Acclaimed Belfast band New Pagans have announced the release of their debut album The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All. Out March 19th via Big Scary Monsters, the album uses New Pagans' creative influence to challenge past and present issues surrounding relationships, equality, history, and gender, all wrapped up in their alternative, post-punk, indie rock style.

To celebrate the announcement, they have also released a powerful new single called ‘Christian Boys’. The track has a fierce attitude, and channes gritty pop sensibilities alongside striking vocals.

‘Christian Boys’ is a dramatic example of what to expect from their fiery debut. The song itself is about one of lead singer Lyndsey McDougall’s friends, who told her about a Christian leader in Northern Ireland with whom she had been having an affair just before he got married to his virgin bride.

“This is shocking, but what is more disturbing is that it hadn’t been the first-time similar stories had emerged," the band comment. "When these men were confronted, they all stated that the women were to blame, it had been their fault, they were the sinners and had led the Christian men astray.

“This song calls out the people who blame others for their mistakes and don’t take responsibility for their own actions. Lyndsey knows that some of the lyrics in the song could be considered controversial, but she has grown up around Christian men and believes that this conversation needs to happen, it shouldn’t be off limits.”

Despite the global crisis, 2020 proved to be a breakout year for New Pagans, who closed the year by winning ‘Best Live Act’ at the NI Music Prize 2020, cementing them as one of the most exciting and interesting rising acts, both sonically and visually.

Listen to 'Christian Boys' below.