- Opinion
- 26 Oct 18
"He died for our sins. We're dying for yours."
Jonny Lucey and Bax Joyce from Irish band New Valley Wolves took to the streets of Dublin to promote their new single 'Aloe Vera' and to provoke thought.
The song deals with the "haunting, but still sinister" influence the Catholic Church has on Ireland, Lucey and Joyce stated. The music video appropriately has been released today as the referendum for the removal of the word 'blasphemy' from the constitution is taking place. In the video they presented a modern day interpretation of Jesus struggling with Catholic shame, symbolised through the crucifix and crown of barbed wire thorns. He is bleeding and for all intents and purposes, suffering.
However, no one in the video offers to help this man so obviously struggling and desperately in need of help. The public only rush to capture the event on their phones. "Suffering is entertainment," said Lucey and Joyce, stressing the stunt was not staged.
This music video aims to encourage viewers to evaluate the enduring difficulties Irish people face. New Valley Wolves hope that "the 'Aloe Vera' video [will shed] light on the grim reality of Ireland in 2018. Social problems abound while the government makes little to no progress." Homelessness continues to be a growing issue. Rent is constantly rising. Children are doing their homework in hotel rooms.
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They continue in saying "Aloe Vera forces us to take a look at ourselves as a society and designate our collective anger in the right direction – towards Dáil Éireann." The video ends as the modern day Jesus is stood outside of Dáil Éireann as the phrase "He died for our sins. We're dying for yours." is presented on screen.
Watch the music video for 'Aloe Vera' below.