Dublin garage psych band Thee U.F.O. have released their new single, Transparent Seed. We asked lead singer and songwriter Darragh Hansard the BIG questions . . .

Released on the band's own label, Gelatinous Records, this is the third single to be taken from Thee U.F.O.'s upcoming album Ponderous Fug, which is out on Friday 16 September.

Inspired by bands like the Oh Sees, King Gizzard, The Doors and The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, Hansard began recording his own songs while playing all the instruments himself during the recording process.

"Ponderous Fug is a dense smoky atmosphere, a sort of pollution tolerated by nomads and marauders in barren wastelands, many heavy fisted plunder for joy, others for wealth," says Darragh, who is joined in the band by life partner Beth Doyle on vocals, keyboards and tambourine.

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"Spreading fear and terror with abrasive sirens, chains, whips and god-evoking substances."

Thee U.F.O. playing Electric Avenue, Waterford on Saturday, 13 August, alongside Chrome Yellow, and Sun Mahshene, and launch Ponderous Fug at The Thomas House, Dublin on Friday, 23 September.

Tell us three things about yourself?

I’m a dog person, love BBQs and have had a sick obsession with sangrias because of the sweltering weather!

How would you describe your music?

At the moment, it’s pretty loud. For the most part it’s some sort of psychedelic garage rock but there’s more to it than that. Someone told us 'it’s like jumping into cold water', which is a good description, I think. The new album is really bloated (aurally), there are moments of peace, not that many though! I’d like to think our live shows are fun and energetic that’s really what I care about most, I want people to have fun.

Who are your musical inspirations?

There’s too many! The Doors will always hold a place in my heart. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Silver Apples, United States of American, Goat, Beak, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Sabbath, and I listen to Can at least once a day. All those probably bleed in the most right now.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

Busted when I was about eight. Hahaha. I barely remember it, I do remember wanting the day off from school after because we got in so late. I didn’t get the day off, but I got an inflatable guitar.

What was the first record you ever bought?

I have no memory of the first I bought weirdly enough. The first record I owned was The Doors first album. It was a Christmas present from my mam when I was 16, still gets spun regularly. Just realised I’ve had that record nearly ten years.

What’s your favourite song right now?

Meeting the Spirits by Mahavishnu Orchestra. John McLaughlin is one of the best guitarist of all time!

Favourite lyric of all time?

"Can’t believe how strange it is to be anything at all" from Neutral Milk Hotel’s In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. They’re a bit of a meme band to listen to nowadays. I’m never really too fussed with lyrics but that line always kicks me in the teeth.

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Bel Air by Can, It’s 20 minutes, has great changes and incredible vocal lines. I’d be happy with that one forever.

Where can people find your music/more information?

We’re on Facebook and Instagram as @theeufo, Our music is on all streaming platforms but should be bought here.