band Archives - WMD Studios

The kind gents from The Best of Enemies are offering music on bandcamp for just £0.99. Why aren’t you there yet?

Best of Enemies is a four piece band from London. Although the energetic four haven’t been together for too long they are already playing to packed fanatic crowds, their debut single “Brother” was released in July 2014. The press has taken heartily to the band, and it is already being nicked as ‘the new face of English Rock’. Considering their relatively new arrival, it is a big achievement.

I just went through the debut EP ‘Stay Young, Trust Me’ by Best of Enemies: the first thing that rings through my mind is that it must be a real worth listening to them live. Not to say that they are any way behind when it comes to studio recordings, the EP is very skillfully created and the production is on par with any modern outfit.

The four tracks presented on the debut EP are full of interestingly carved professional pegs, for example; all the songs are upbeat (which is a must to entice younger audience). There are some great harmonies supporting the lead vocalist, and especially the chorus part is well designed for a great sing-along, pretty clever!

The first song on the EP, ‘You are a Good Mate, Really’ is a brightly packaged song about the bond of friendship. Second song (Ignorance is Bliss) is a dark –darker- but energetic piece about mindsets of neglected youth; nothing could be more appropriate for a youth oriented output. Third song ‘Hope and Dreams’ is again a collective mantra about the fancies and disappointments of youth, and the fourth song (Wasting Away) is just a personalized anecdotal version of the ‘Hope and Dreams’.

The rhythm section is punchy and stable, and the best thing about Best of Enemies is the singing of the lead vocalist Sam Christmas, he is absolutely on the tune and his -delivered to perfection- vocal dynamics tell me, that Best of Enemies have quite rightfully started fast, and they are here to stay long!

Population IV is the Portsmouth band’s latest album and it’s certainly a textured and flowing listening experience. From the airy vocals of The Sorcerers to the easy rhythm of Hothouse, the album takes you on a fuzzy and infectious trip through the hills and valleys of wah wahs and deep riffage.

I like my music to conjure images in my mind and to that end, Population IV doesn’t disappoint. There were two tracks that did this especially well. Chapel Perilous starts with a laid back and light melody that eases you into a pleasing rhythm before turning heavy as hell around the midpoint. If there was ever a soundtrack for a weary traveller climbing to a mountaintop temple only to find it has been overrun with demons, this is it. The other track I wanted to mention is Hothouse, the almost sun-infused riffs igniting the images of a long desert highway and a roaring biker riding into the sunset, relaxed and cruising before gunning the bike to even greater speed as the track tempo ramps up towards the end.

All of the tracks are enjoyable, expansive and a great accompaniment to whatever you might be up to, infusing the air with the psychic feelings of flow, ease and groove. They’re also a great listen as the main focal point of your attention; the textures and flourishes in the rhythms and guitar enough to hook your mind like a floundering fish and still its motion as it dangles on each note.

The band formed in Portsmouth in 2002 and consists of Thomas Bone, Steve Hanby, Ryan “Howitzer” Howarth and Richie Troughton. They have a number of gigs coming up in the next few months: March 8th at the Shacklewell Arms, London, and on May 2nd at the Kraak Gallery, Manchester. Go and see them if you can, you owe it to yourself!

You can hear Population IV on the band’s BandCamp page here.