The Belfast outfit has released a blunt and damning response to an infamous 2018 court case. [TW Sexual Assault Trial]

Enola Gay have returned with their most unflinching track to date, ‘Through Men’s Eyes’. The blunt offering channels their rage at the 2018 case that saw a number of Irish rugby players go on trial in Northern Ireland.

Sitting at nearly five minutes, the track shares DNA with some of the most relentless offerings from Rage Against The Machine and challenges toxic masculinity and how it manifests in modern Ireland.

Speaking on the track the band say, “We felt compelled to call out not only a specific case but the justice system itself and the boastful nature of ‘lad culture’ that normalises first-world rape culture. It was a case which divided Ireland as we witnessed social circles torn and managers in staff rooms silencing the subject. People wanted to brush it under the carpet, perpetuating victims not wanting to come forward when victims should not be silenced.

We’ve learnt a lot about the plight of victims through listening to women we know and other people in the public eye, it’s something that was never spoken about in the media growing up. As more and more victims feel empowered to come forward with their stories, it destigmatises victimhood and allows people to feel like they are not alone. Through Men’s Eyes is a way for us to show solidarity with women from all walks of life that have left feeling marginalised and silenced by the rulings of a broken and biased court system.”

Enola Gay were selected as part of our Future of Irish Music 2021 feature alongside 14 other acts.

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

All proceeds from the single will be donated to Rape Crisis NI.

The band have just announced their first full UK tour, which will see the band travel the length of the UK during March and April 2022.

Listen to ‘Through Men’s Eyes’ below:

Elsewhere on District: Robert Glasper on the many rooms of Black American music.