Irish singer-songwriter Fionn Regan has been making a diligent effort to become a staple figure in Dylan/Young revivalist circles. With his first album The End of History causing quite a stir, earning him two Meteor Award nominations and a place in the Mercury Music Prize shortlist for 2007. After four years of promotion, touring and writing, Regan's second album was released on February 8th. With yet another potent title, Shadow of an Empire seems to be making similar impact amongst cross-legged, beard twiddling fans. Anyway, enough of the history lesson, down to business, which today, is the premiere single from Shadow of an Empire, "Catacombs," and more specifically it's rather retro video.

Regan's obvious influence of 70's singer songwriters gets traced onto this video seamlessly, with Director Douglas Hart shooting the entirety of the art house fragranced feature in 8mm, and using the first couple of effects published in any Video Production for Dummies handbook.

The video features Regan, sporting an uncanny resemblance to Lou Reed and promoting what is sure to be the bravest haircut in rock since Lennon got his shaved, simply walking around a concrete jungle with company from his girlfriend/actress, Laura Murphy.

As we follow them around their urban catwalk, the camera shifts through various lenses - red lens, sepia lens, and fish eye - before fading in and out of grainy black and white sequences.

Regan quite obviously prefers his influences for his videos like his influences for his music, conceived in the 70's. The entire video could easily fit into the acid dropping scenes of Easy Rider or any number of Andy Warhol shorties. It does the job. Fits the music, which is rather nice. Just don't be expecting any CGI.

You can get yourself a free digital download of the single below, or wait until March 7th for a 7" copy. Enjoy.