Tonight Enemies launch their debut album
We've Been Talking at the Quad Bar, Cork. Local heroes Elk are supporting and this evening's event kicks off Enemies' month long tour. With shows scheduled for the UK and France, June is shaping up to be a hectic month for this four piece. The album (recorded at
The Hive Studios and mastered by TJ Lipple) goes on official release on the 11th and this evening we get something of a preview here in Cork.
Elk mount the stage and appear completely unfazed by the lengthy day of recording that they've just put behind them. Seemingly they are in the process of recording a sophomore album and tonight's performance displays a more mature, somewhat abrasive sound. Their new material is quite reminiscent of Jesus Lizard, Les
Savy Fav and at times even Shellac. Some may miss the
synthpop element provided by Barry O' Sullivan
(IEYF) on the first album but it's absence here proves to be more of a virtue than a hindrance. So current line - up sees Matt
Hedigan on vocals and bass, Lewis
Hedigan (drums) and Shane O' Sullivan (guitar) and as a three piece Elk seem tighter than ever.
From the start, Enemies appear organised and enthusiastic. Their set list concentrates on the new album with
Nag Champa generating a wonderful buzz about the audience. Drummer Oisín Trench delivers sonorous Morse Code with an exactitude that speaks volumes of the kind of preparation Enemies devote to their live sets. Enemies strive for excellence and achieve it. Two drum kits set up and they use them simultaneously to give thunderous number
Piano that extra bit of heft. It must be said that there is something quite mesmerizing about Enemies live. One gig goer is spotted climbing up on a stool to get a better look and sure enough others follow suit. It seems their inventive and high energy live show has the Quad crew fixated on their every move.
When bassist Mark O' Brien wraps up the evening with a warm thank you, he receives a massive cheer there even seems to be air of disappointment surrounding the end of this show. Tonight the quartet successfully showcase their music might tonight earning them a multitude of new fans. They exit the stage leaving Cork gig goers eager for more. Mission accomplished. Enemies have a sound that is akin to post rock heavyweights The Redneck Manifesto and tonight they demonstrate potential to be just as influential.
Enemies are currently on tour in Europe and
We've Been Talking is now available via
Richter Collective.
Enemies @ Quad 10.06.10
Photos by Eoghan Walsh
Elk @ Quad 10.06.10
Photos by Eoghan Walsh
