Kneecap Takes on the British State Again with New Single ‘No Comment’ Featuring Sub Focus

Irish rap collective Kneecap confronts the British state’s optics once more in their new drum ‘n’ bass-fused track ‘No Comment’ with Sub Focus, spotlighted by striking Banksy court graffiti art.

A Bold Return: Kneecap's New Single ‘No Comment’

If you’re a fan of music that punches straight through political noise, Kneecap's latest drop, ‘No Comment’, is a two-minute punch of gritty, drum ‘n’ bass energy fused with sharp social commentary. Teaming up with the legendary DJ and producer Sub Focus, the track blends pounding beats and a rebellious spirit, making it impossible to ignore.

Cover art featuring a Banksy mural of a protester and judge, perfectly framing the track's defiant message.

The song’s lyrics hit close to home, addressing the legal battles faced by Kneecap’s own Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), whose terrorism charge was dramatically dropped last September. The chorus grabs you with biting lines like:

“I’m misbehaving in badness / Mo Chara’s wanted / The air bubble bandit”

Switching between English and Irish, the verses delve into the experience of being vilified in the media and living under constant threat:

“Have you ever been plastered on the news when you’ve got the heebie-jeebies? Far from ideal / Got death threats on my screen.”

Kneecap sums it up simply:

“‘No Comment’ is all about getting harassed by the British State. Simple as. Us Irish are well used to it, been happening for centuries.”

They also praised working with Sub Focus, calling him “a legend,” and you can hear his signature production style all over the track.

Watch the Official Visualizer for ‘No Comment’

Want to dive into the vibe? Check out the official visualizer here:

The Banksy Artwork That Speaks Volumes

The single’s cover art features a powerful mural by the elusive street artist Banksy. This provocative piece shows a protester lying beneath a judge wielding a gavel—an unmistakably raw visual metaphor for justice and oppression. Interestingly, the artwork was removed from the Royal Courts of Justice in London shortly after it was discovered.

Kneecap called the mural hitting the “fucking nail on the head,” expressing frustration over its removal with a sharp retort:

“You can’t wash away genocide….your complicity will always remain.”

The image perfectly encapsulates the spirit of ‘No Comment’—a no-holds-barred critique of systemic injustice and political harassment.

Limited Edition Vinyl: A Collector’s Dream

For those who want to own a piece of this cultural moment, ‘No Comment’ will be available on limited edition vinyl. The B-side features the track ‘Get Your Brits Out,’ making its vinyl debut. If you’re a vinyl collector or just want something tangible to hold while you soak in the music, this is a must-have.

Pre-orders are live now—an opportunity to support Kneecap’s fearless voice and own a physical slice of Irish protest music history.

From Stage to Studio: The UK Tour and Debut of ‘No Comment’

Kneecap didn’t just unveil this track in the studio; they premiered ‘No Comment’ live at their Wembley Arena show in London on September 18, an event buzzing with energy and political weight. Fans got to hear the raw mix of drum ‘n’ bass and defiance firsthand.

The group’s UK tour continues with a stop at The Prospect Building in Bristol on November 18, where the band’s connection to their audience only grows stronger. If you want to catch them live before the tour wraps, tickets are still available.

Mo Chara’s Court Battle: The Backdrop of ‘No Comment’

The drama behind the song’s lyrics unfolds in real life. In September, terrorism charges against Mo Chara were dropped due to a legal technicality related to the case's prosecution. The charges stemmed from an incident in November 2024, where Chara allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag and shouted politically charged slogans at a London gig.

Though the case was dismissed, the Crown Prosecution Service announced plans to appeal, prompting Kneecap to call the entire ordeal “political policing.” They pointed fingers at politicians and the British media for fueling the controversy rather than impartial law enforcement.

Mo Chara himself described the situation as “a complete circus, a carnival, a distraction from what’s actually going on,” emphasizing how the drawn-out legal process kept the spotlight on him instead of real issues.

Kneecap’s Unyielding Spirit

The band’s response to the legal saga and political harassment is clear: they aren’t going anywhere. The intensity of their previous singles like ‘Sayonara’ and ‘The Recap’ has only been amplified with ‘No Comment’, blending high-octane drum ‘n’ bass beats with lyrics that jab at the establishment.

Catch a glimpse of their live presence in this emotive performance video from Wembley Arena:

Looking Forward with Fire and Defiance

As if their music wasn’t enough, Mo Chara has hinted at considering legal action against the British state for what he calls a politically motivated witch hunt. Even in tough circumstances, the spirit of resistance pulses through every verse and beat.

In an interview, he reflected:

“Even if it had’ve went to court, we would’ve won anyway. It was a complete circus, it was a carnival, a distraction from what’s actually going on.”

Kneecap’s Powerful Voice in a Complex World

Their music is more than just sound—it's a story of cultural identity, resistance, and raw truth told through electrifying beats and razor-sharp lyrics. With their collaborations, politically charged singles, and fearless attitude, Kneecap continues to carve a unique space in contemporary music.

For a deeper dive into their thoughts on culture and music, check out this interview snippet from Glastonbury 2024, where they chat about influences like Fontaines D.C., Lewis Capaldi, and Paul Mescal:

FAQ

• What is Kneecap's new single ‘No Comment’ about?
  It addresses political harassment by the British state, focusing on the legal battles faced by rapper Mo Chara, blending Irish and English lyrics over a drum ‘n’ bass beat.
• Who collaborated with Kneecap on ‘No Comment’?
  The track features DJ and producer Sub Focus, known for his influential work in the drum ‘n’ bass scene.
• What is the significance of the Banksy artwork on the cover?
  The mural, showing a protester and judge, symbolizes injustice and was controversially removed from the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
• Is ‘No Comment’ available on vinyl?
  Yes, it is being released as a limited edition vinyl with ‘Get Your Brits Out’ as the B-side, available for pre-order.
• What happened with Mo Chara's terrorism charge?
  The charge was dropped due to a legal technicality, but the CPS planned to appeal. Kneecap denounced the case as politically motivated.

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