190 Proof: Wynona Bleach Reveal Drunken Memories and Trips to Underground Vaping Clubs

These are exciting times for Irish alt/gaze/pop quintet Wynona Bleach, who have just returned from touring with indie favourites Ash and, keen to build on the momentum of those dates, have just dropped their luscious new single, “Swim In The Bay.”

The single is boldly and unashamedly inspired by the act of giving both oral – (and aural!) – pleasure and is in keeping with the fearless themes from the debut album (“Drag,” “Aubergine”) and was recorded in the band’s rehearsal room/studio – an old ballroom above a Working Man’s club in Belfast.

Guitarist Jonny Woods revealed the band are already busy working on plans for the future:

“We’re really happy that our first record has been reissued on splatter vinyl, and we’re excited to get moving on album 2, which “Swim in the Bay” will feature on.”

Now, without wanting to stereotype anybody, we know that the Irish like to party, and this five-piece is no exception. In fact, they like a drink so much that they had already started when we sat them down for a 190 Proof interview and got them to try and recall some of their favourite drinking haunts, drunken memories and most expensive drinks. We take no responsibility for what they said next…

First things first: Beer, wine, or liquor?

“BEER. We are a band fuelled by beer!”

What’s the most expensive drink you’ve ever had? Describe the experience.

Mel: “Jonny and I did an acoustic show in The Ned, in London. I went to the bar and ordered a tequila, lime & soda water. It was £16.90 and I tried to make joke with the waiter about the number, a bit of a niche joke but someone might get it.”

Wynona Bleach, band photo

Do you prefer to drink at home or out? If the latter, do you have a preferred locale?

“Our favourite haunt is the Foresters Club in Belfast, cheap booze and lovely regulars!”

What was the last drink you had? Where and when?

“We are literally drinking right now in our rehearsal space!”

You only get to listen to one album, but it’s only when you drink, and it’s for the rest of your life – what is it?

James: “Deftones – Around The Fur”

Jonny: “Type O Negative – Life Is Killing Me”

Carl: “Patrice Rushen – Straight From The Heart”

Mel: “Placebo – Sleeping with Ghosts”

Wynona Bleach “Swim In The Bay” Single Artwork

Preferred drink if you had to put it down on a rider for the whole band?

“Any beer except Carlsberg, Carling and NO CIDER!”

Which city has your best drunken memory… and what is it?

Carl: “Limerick, we all got drunk but forgot one of us had to drive the van back to our Air BnB; we made it back thanks to our sober TM! He took one for the team that night!”

Jonny: “Coimbra, Portugal, where we recorded our debut album – we drank crates and crates of Argus and Super Bock beer.”

Mel: “Kurgan, we went to an underground vaping club called Cloud Rooms!”

Wynona Bleach, band photo

James: “Killarney. I jumped out at a security guard, thinking it was Aaron…”

Ever puked on a fan?

“No but Mel has puked in a van. (Almost every van we have used for tour).”

For more information on the band, make sure you head over to their Official Website here.