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By Kristian Eilertsen.
To me, one of the biggest events of 1999 was the release of the Enemies' first full length album. The three guys from Oakland, California impressed me with their incredibly in sync and powerful hardcore. The album was surely a musical highlight of the past year and since purchasing it in late September it's been one of my preffered records. I was instantly bowled over by the determined riffs and the unique sound. So with the Enemies being one of the most exciting bands around, I decided to hook up with them to ask them a couple of questions and maybe find out just what they are all about. So prepare to be enlightened...
Enemies is: Mike Pelino: Guitar, Vox Rick Jacobus: Bass, Vox Jason Willer: DrumsK: First off, how would you guys describe the Enemies' sound to someone who's never heard of you guys ?
Jason: Kicking a brick wall with no shoes on.
Mike: I'm with Jason on that one.
K: Now let's talk about your splendid debut album. I've heard it described as a fight between Metallica and Crimpshrine. But how would you guys classify the record ? Are there any bands that you would like to be compared to ?
Mike: I could see how that comparison would derive from our songwriting structure, but I see us more as the mutt from DESCENDENTS, early PINK FLOYD and NEUROSIS.
K: Reviewing the record I found it impossible to accurately describe the style and music, and that's always a good sign. Is it something you're deliberately trying to do, stand out musically, or was that just how the songs turned out ?
Mike: When we're doing new stuff in our studio, it's more of like a jazz/improv thing, you know; Most spur of the moment things stick.
K: The album was recorded by none other than Kevin Army, reknowned for working with such outstanding bands as Green Day, Operation Ivy and Pinhead Gunpowder. How was it worknig with Kevin and did you find that his musical knowledge helped bring your record to life ?
Mike: We had never spent time in a studio before, so at first we were extremely nervous. I think that's why we laid down the whole album in two days. After we found out Kevin grew up in the same suburb as us, tension dropped. Kevin let us do our own thing on the board, there we no barriers. He was working with us to find the sound we wanted. Producing the record was a collaboration, there was no "one man" acting as producer.
Rick: He's a good guy. I think he was impressed by my blue darts.
Jason: I liked working with him and listening to all the stories he told.
K: The album is out now on NEW DISORDER RECORDS. What's the difference between New Disorder and SPAM RECORDS where your first EP was released ?
Mike: First of all, there's a difference between Spam and New Disorder. Both are great labels and all, just run different. Spam is a collective, and the active members meet and vote on new projects. Aside from that, Spam is also responsible for coordinating the "Geek Fest", which is a free show that happens once a month. Usually about fifteen different bands play. It's always pretty hectic, but a lot of fun ! Two years ago at a Geek Fest we played with FANG, on easter ! New Disorder is run by one person. Earnst from THEGODSHATEKANSAS. He's put out tons of great stuff, bands and compialtions, and he still finds time to tour. We were his 19th band and he's already on #22 or something.
K: Has the response to your new album been everythnig you wanted and expected ?
Mike: Local response has been great. But it's still too early to tell on the national scene, and that will be dependent on touring.
K: Speaking of expectations and ambitions, what level of success do you want to achieve to reach contentment ? Do the band members' opinions differ, or do you have a certain point where you say "this far and no further" ?
Mike: We basically want to be able to play all the time and not do anything else. Everyone in the band pretty much agrees on this.
Jason: All I expect is to ahve fun and play music that I can rock out to. We all have our own opinions and styles, and that's what I think brings us together musically.
K: With the record out, is it different playing shows now than it was before ? Maybe you feel more obligated to put on a good show so people will buy the record ?
Mike: Since recording the album, we're playing the songs a lot tighter. The three of us are coming together on a whole different level live than we ever have. The only obligation is for the band to put on a great show no matter what.
K: How long have the Enemies been together and how did you hook up ? Did you always playing with this line-up or has it changed somewhere along the way ? I think I heard the name Chris mentioned somewhere...
Mike: In '94 and '95 Rick and I were together as SECOND HAND SPIT, with Chris Gannon on drums. The band broke up early in '95. Three months later, Istarted playing 2nd guitar in another band, where I met up with Jason. Eventually, we spun off to hook up with Rick. Our first show as teh Enemies was on the 15th of December 1996. It was at Gilman.
K: Musically, what are your influences ? Any influences that you take from that might not be as punk rock ?
Mike: My influences range as far from Jazz to metal so it's not all punk rock.
K: So, who were your musical mentors and idols growing up ? Who did you listen to ?
Mike: Local punk heroes like Crimpshrine, Operation Ivy and Sweet Children.
K: Do you remember the first time you conciously listened to rock and roll and realised the power behind it ? What band was it ?
Jason: I remember when I was nine years old, I was listening to the local heavy metal radio station. IRON MAIDEN's Aces High came on. I was not the same person after that.
K: That was exactly how I felt the first time I heard Crimpshrine's Free Will. It changed everything.
Mike: When I was growing up, I couldn't get away from the East Bay punk scene, because of my sister's heavy involvment. MAXIMUMROCKANDROLL's Turn It Around compilation became mine and Rick's favorite record in the fourth grade.
K: Who writes the lyrics and what are they about ?
Mike: Rick and I both write lyrics seperately. The songs mainly deal with problems of everyday life. Like for example the song In Decay is about worknig your fingers to the bone...
K: Mike, on the record you produce a guitar sound that a lot of guitarists struggle to find. Can you reveal what gear you use ?
Mike: First of all, I don't mess around with pedals and stuff. I plug in and use an amp to it's full potential.
K: Having been brought up in the punk haven of the San Francisco Bay Area, would you describe the scene as being dead or alive in the late 90's ?
Jason: It has its moments.
Mike: The scene is more underground than it's been in the last seven years. The strength is building to how it was in the late 80's. Kids are going to shows more because they love the music, not because of bands that got big by playing there.
K: So what other bands are hot in the East Bay right now ?
Mike: I like the Never Agents, The Kill In Me and ehmm, Talk is Poison. I also like High on Fire and Dead and Gone.
Jason: Talk is Poison, definately.
K: What are your tour plans ? Any chance of you guys coming to Europe ?
Mike: We want to tour to promote the album as much as possible. We'll travel to Europe as soon as we can afford it.
Jason: Your treat ? OK!
K: Oh well... I'll take it into consideration... If you could go on tour with any band of you choice, either together or broken up, who would it be ?
Mike: Black Flag, Social Unrest, and Bad Brains ten years ago...
Jason: I wouldn't mind touring with punk legends Poison Idea, or Black Flag. But it won't happen.
K: Any plans for a future album release ?
Mike: No talk of a second album, but new songs are in progress.
Jason: Yes, please.
K: Any final remarks or last thoughts ? Now is your chance to say something life changing...
Mike: If you want us to come to Europe, help promote the band. Ask record stores to contact out distributors, Revolver/Caroline to order our records.
Jason: I love playing twenty questions...
K: I got that one... well, thanks for taking your time to answer these questions. I'll see you on tour...!
If you still haven't catched on to this great band, now is your chance. Go get their record today. It rocks. One thing is for sure, the Enemies are here to stay. And they'll rock your lame ass, whether you want it or not...
© 1997 eiler99@hotmail.com
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