New Pagans - 'Harbour'

From newly released EP ‘The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All’ comes ‘Harbour’, a grungy, ferociously feminist single by Belfast’s New Pagans - and pregnancy has never sounded so punk.

Bringing new life into the world is an oft-romanticised subject in art, but lead vocalist Lyndsey Dougall doesn’t hide the corporeal or psychological realities of her experience as a mother behind veiled romanticism.

Against a canvas of distorted, grungy guitars and galloping drums, Dougall’s lyrics are raw and stark, revealing vignettes like “Posing for him, tearing my skin, I might give up and throw you out.”

The singer’s background and interest in pagan mysticism is most apparent as she chants “Harbour, sustain, take, resist, bear and carry, recoil and suffer.” The song is an interesting blend of old and new, something which characterises New Pagans; much of the band’s charm is bound up in their blending of ancient spiritual allusions with the aesthetics of the post-punk, indie rock and new wave movements.

Lyndsey McDougall is guided by her celtic roots in a slightly wickerman-esque music video which pays homage to traditions, symbols and rituals surrounding fertility and pregnancy, informed by Celtic folk traditions. The video was directed by the band’s bassist Clare Miskimmin at St. Cooey’s Well in Northern Island, and the backdrop oozes with occult intrigue.

The new album also features ‘Christian Boys’ and ‘Yellow Rooms’ which have already been released as singles and had national radio play.

This release is likely to snowball the already trajectory of the group, who gained recognition for their live performances last year when they won ‘Best Live Act’ at the Northern Ireland Music Prize.

Words by Joe Buncle