Arguably the only distinctive 'scene' Northern Ireland can stand over as truly influential was led by Stiff Little Fingers and other legendary punk acts in the late 1970s.
To say we’ve punched above our weight ever since would of course be an understatement - but there's rarely been an opportunity to pigeonhole bands en masse .
In 2019 however, it's interesting that some of the most exciting new bands are - once again - outspoken and provocative. It's also interesting that the venom and frustration isn't exclusively a reaction to politics. Instead - issues of gender and LGBT rights are at the fore - with a number of charismatic vocalists making their point loud and clear.
Leading the way are Strange New Places, who released a new EP called 'Uncomfortable', led by a track called 'Mr Gumble' on Friday.
'I'm gonna meet your eyeline / ask you out / cause I could bare to do that after I tear some pieces out' goes the narrator, who later refers to themselves as a 'breast-less monster, with bad foundation ’.
This theme of gender dysphoria - and an inevitable lack of the confidence required to pursue romance, runs throughout the track.
Lyrically, it's challenging and uncomfortable. Arguably one of the darkest tracks we've heard from an Irish act in a very long time. Yet - bizarrely - it's melodically fun, undeniably jaunty and loaded with references to The Simpsons. Barney Gumble quotes in particular - the belching drunk referenced in the song's very title.
So yes - this is a very different type of punk rock. You'll smile and dance along before catching a lyric that makes you suddenly uneasy. Throughout this band's excellent output to date, chunky riffs have been replaced by twee choruses, unnecessary swearing by 90s TV nostalgia.
But - crucially - they are very much still a punk band - getting an important message out there, albeit initially gift wrapped with a little sillyness. In fact - few bands boast lyrics so raw and honest, informative and provocative.
Similarly, upon listening, your respect for vocalist and songwriter Ashley Jones - for putting these ideas to music so passionately - is infinite.
This lot have a load of other songs by the way - all of them great and only some of them thematically related to 'Mr Gumble'. It's important no band is defined by one idea, especially if they're as musically adventurous as Strange New Places.
In short, they're an awesome bunch both on record and on stage - that just happen to have some very powerful thoughts around the idea of gender and identity - that they're willing to share. And if the occasional reference to The Simpsons helps make the likes of myself take notice, that can only be a good thing, right?
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