Enon comes back to New York. Finally. So it’s a very long time since I’ve seen this band last. It was over 3 years ago with the original (and amazing) band members Rick Lee, Steve Calhoon (both from Skeleton Key) and John Schmersal of Braniac. I’ve had a deep interest in this band since Braniac disbanded due to Tim Taylor’s tragic death. Being in Dayton and immersed in the music scene there, it was the low point in my musical life. Braniac was on the verge of exploding and they were taking music in such a unique direction. When I got word of John teaming up with the remnants o Skeleton Key (which had also recently disbanded) to form Enon I was elated. Their debut Believo! had some pretty incredible songs mixing junky guitars and the electro noises John was playing around with on the last Braniac album. There was much hope for this experimental idie band.
Hocus-Pocus came out and unfortunately Steve Calhoon left the band and added Toko Yasuda of Blonde Redhead. Eventually Rick Lee would leave as well and the sound changed dramatically, Although it was a better production, I felt the album was a mess.
In February 05 they released “Lost Marbles And Exploded Evidence” which is actually a collection of B-sides mainly from Hocus-Pocus era. I decided to check out the new lineup (including Matt Schulz) and the new sounds. It took me awhile to get into the new sound. They abandoned the “junky” sounds and moved into an electronic pop direction. John left most of the singing to Toko, who although cute onstage, does not have the energy to contain the sound from the band. The songs became formulaic but at least were better live than on disc. The saving grace was when they eased up on the moogy crap to perform “Rubber Car” form their first album, which I’ve always considered to be in memory of Tim Taylor.
Very few bands experiment with the potential of sound and the blending of various instruments and melodies to come up with something new. There is a constant spontaneity in Enon’s music. Although not perfect, I appreciate their constant pushing and prodding.