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With the UK government hellbent on reliving an era that not only normalised racism and discrimination but celebrated them as patriotism, Paris-based British/Bosnian/French quartet Monitors have embarked on a timely revisit to a musical and lyrical highlight of their back catalogue.
No Irish No Blacks No Dogs (Unplugged) sees the band strip the classic song back to basics, delivering a heartfelt live rendition of this poignant and deeply personal piece.
Originally featured on the Notes From The Aftermath EP and also performed by the full band on their Live at MorsanGang EP, No Irish No Blacks No Dogs was written in the aftermath of the UK’s vote to leave the EU, which occurred at a time when the country was also struggling with the lingering aftermath of its imperial past.
Says the band, “The title No Irish No Blacks No Dogs was chosen in reference to many contemporary issues: the Windrush generation (the false detention, denial of legal rights and deportation of West Indian migrants who arrived in Britain in 1948), the rise in popularity of Conservative political parties (UKIP, BNP, RN), the Good Friday Agreement and the consequences of Brexit for the Irish border.”
Since then, the UK has fully left the EU but still fails to look forward. The lessons from Windrush have been unlearnt, the consequences of centuries of conflict between the UK and Ireland have been forgotten, and the extremists have become a staple of the government; all in a matter of a few years.
The song’s lyrics are even more pertinent now than when they were written, but there was another, more creative reason the band felt it right to look at the song anew:
“This new unplugged version of the track was recorded for several reasons. The song was originally written on acoustic guitar, so we wanted to return to the natural spirit of the song. The arrival of our new guitarist, Renaud Fumey, allowed us to explore our acoustic dynamics, and introduce more vocal textures.
“Furthermore, we thought it was suitable to choose this song to perform acoustically due to its themes. Unfortunately, the subjects and issues discussed in the song remain as prevalent today in 2022 as they were when the original song was written in 2018.
“We deeply believe that music should deal with all issues of society with peace, love, and empathy, regardless of how difficult, challenging, or appalling they may be.”
credits
released July 12, 2022
Music: Monitors
Lead singer: Chris Remick
Guitars: Emil Balic & Renaud Fumey
Sound mixing: Emil Balic
Sound recording: Germain Lévêque
Mastering: Jérôme Kremser
A band built on friendship across three cultures, that’s the foundation for Monitors; settled in mainland Europe, they combine talent from Liverpool, Bihać, and Paris.
supported by 22 fans who also own “No Irish No Blacks No Dogs (Unplugged)”
I could listen to this song & Save yourself on repeat easily. Love Lukes voice.
I have always been a big fan of synth music and any good music with a bit of an eighties feel.
Can’t wait to hear the rest of the album.
More songs please🙏 Elena
supported by 22 fans who also own “No Irish No Blacks No Dogs (Unplugged)”
The Gold Supply are just that - pure gold! To take a song like this and add an underlying menace to it through atmospherics adds a whole new dimension to the lyrics. Beautiful and disturbing, the way it should be! Cammy McNeish
Hopscotching from jangle pop and post-hardcore to math rock and shoegaze, these Minnesota rockers have a gift for musical multitasking. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 29, 2024