Release date: 25 May 2018

Frans Petter Eldh Double Bass

Kit Downes Piano

James Maddren Drums

ENEMY is the vital new trio featuring bassist Frans Petter Eldh, pianist Kit Downes and drummer James Maddren. Described as ‘fiercely intense’ and ‘beautifully intricate’, their eponymously titled debut spotlights three brilliant and creative musical minds committed to the exploration of new worlds of performance and music: total music, with each musician contributing equally in an authentic aesthetic display.

As the band explains: “ENEMY is about intensity and complexity – negotiations of cryptic rhythms and wonky beats with light speed intensity and high energy – our music combines in a storm of density and wild freedom, which we write to deliberately push each other to our limits – both creatively and technically.”

The album is produced by bassist Eldh who’s previous production credits include remixes for Jameszoo – Flake (Brainfeeder) & Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra – Vula, to name a few of his collaborations. The young Frans Petter had an early fascination with electronic music and the sampler has been an important tool in his way of approaching music. His production style is daring and unconventional, he chops up the original recordings and puts it back together in new ways, adding new subtle layers in order to manipulate and emphasise certain details in the music.

Each member of ENEMY has achieved personal recognition in the jazz and wider music world (including a Mercury Music Award Nomination, ECHO Jazz nomination, multiple Downbeat Critics Poll nominations and a BBC Jazz Award). 

This is a band oozing charisma and energy. Shifting pulse and dynamic, the music is powerful, complex and edgy. With a blend of rip-roaring grooves, sweeping piano runs, mind-boggling polyrhythmic drumming and a subtle use of production, Enemy is all muscular, snapping physicality and flamboyance. Their music is a middle finger to conformity, they want to celebrate progressivity.

This is one ENEMY you are going to want to get to know! 

“We want this music to be fierce, vital and to have and give energy – and to do so whilst never sacrificing its intricacy and integrity.” ENEMY