The Zen Arcade are a quintet from Cavan comprising of 3/4s of The Strypes. The name Zen Arcade will of course be familiar to Hüsker Dü fans, being the title of the band’s much lauded 1984 album, but The Zen Arcade’s debut single ‘Don’t Say A Word’ appears to have far more in common with ’70s Ulster punk bands such as stiff Little Fingers and New Wave acts such as The Knack than Bob Mould’s outfit.

“The video was shot in a shed, stars the band, abuses a projector and was directed by a tripod. It showcases the latest in digital regression and artfully combines the bare minimum with low light, undoubtedly inspiring the inevitable low-resolution revolution,” says Pete O’Halnon who has moved from bass to guitar in the new outfit of the lo-fi video that accompanies the track.

‘Don’t Say A Word’ also features a guest appearance from drummer Evan Walsh’s sister Becky standing in on bass. Becky has previously appeared live on stage with The Strypes and will be a familiar face to fans of the band who have also launched a podcast and a fanzine in the run-up to the release of the single.

It’ll be interesting to see how things go for the band as they try to establish a new identity for themselves.