sv podcast – songs of defiance & left-wing religion

These EP tracks couldn’t wait; these songs were impatient to be out in the world. They are songs of defiance and dismay, of lamentation.” Bono

In this month’s podcast, Darren & Holly wax lyrical about the brand-new EP, Days of Ash, from Irish rock legends, U2. It’s the first new music released by U2 in almost ten years and focuses on a series of high-profile global deaths, including the killing of Renee Good by ICE agents in Minneapolis, USA, in January. The EP arrived on Ash Wednesday, it’s packed with righteous anger, and it raises the question… is the protest song back?

And we have a think about the role of faith (or not) in left-wing politics. Is it time for those on the left to ‘do’ God?

Have a listen and get in touch with your thoughts! You can comment here on this website or contact us on Facebook or go to our Substack and chat with us there. (And can we apologise again for being terrible at social media! Rest assured, we will see your comments!)

This podcast was recorded on Thursday 5 March 2026. Available from Apple Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, and via your favourite podcast App. Theme music and stings by Nicolai Heidlas. Duration: 46’52 minutes.

Links
U2 Official Website
U2 Days of Ash (Youtube, official channel)
Trevor Noah interview with Zohran Mamdani
Liz Bucar’s Substack post about Trevor Noah’s comments

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Geraldine Rooney says:

March 14, 2026 at 3:42 pm

Very interesting again, thank you. Now I will shock you: I wouldn’t recognise a U2 song. Age, lack of curiosity, some of the snatches seemed too um loud? Anyway, it sounds as if the lyrics should be worth my effort. Particularly the n+1 psalm, as I love the Psalms.
Not big on particular Lenten stuff (bad Catholic): sometimes seems too pharasaical, hair-shirty. And I am frequently astonished by professed atheists who seem to like to grasp this aspect of faith. The Jesuits (with a reputation as intellectuals of the church) have resources: I look at the emails and approve – but not for me. A local priest had an interesting take: he is trying to listen, to others but also to what he is saying. Too often, prayer is thought of as a shopping list. Back to the Psalms: in the east, would this be a mantra? I try to fill my head – or perhaps empty it of rubbish – using “be still and know that I am God”: this covers a lot for me.

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