“The wind told you something but you can’t make it out.“
When ENOLA dropped their debut single “Strange Comfort” in August of last year, it was difficult not to embrace the heart and authenticity of the track, combined with its toe-tapping grooves and commanding riffs. It’s something that becomes even more impressive upon discovering the Melbourne-via-Sydney artist pieces this all together as a solo project. Now, with All Is Forgiven, Ruby Marshall puts forward a strong foothold for what should be an exiting future for the ENOLA project.
The aforementioned “Strange Comfort” opens up the EP, pondering on time running out and the anxiety of it. The chant of “You’re not the only one“, and the echoed line of “there’s a strange comfort in us all going through the same” open up the track to a shared feeling and experience. Featuring shimmering guitars and pounding toms with a huge vocal of “Stop wasting what you don’t have”, ENOLA shows a vulnerability early on that has perhaps been missed in post-punk over the past few years. As the track closes out, the gentle plea of “Let the light in” further adds to that notion.
Touching on rock stylings a touch comes “Hurt“, concentrating ENOLA‘s sound into an impactful and tight ballad-esque track. This continues on “Miss You“, which leans into a dreamier sound, serving as a welcome gear shift to the expansive opening moments of All Is Forgiven. It evokes the feeling of the quiet moments one shares with themselves, rather than the energetic rallies of the openers. With the change in pace, too, there is notably no loss in quality either, especially as the drum work continues to excel.
The contemplative “Metal Body” sees ENOLA change up their sound even further, with shoegaze-y reverbed riffs performed in a grunge-esque manner, channeling the frustrations of healthcare systems. Its reserved nature makes for a more stark moment on All Is Forgiven. Closing out the record comes “Waves“, returning to the anthemic nature of what opened the EP, there is an extra edge of attitude and bite present on the closer, leaving All Is Forgiven on an emboldening note, and leaving a tinge of excitement for what could follow this.
Every now and then a post-punk project comes along that gives a sense of excitement to it, which ENOLA has been more than doing. What is instilled on All Is Forgiven is a depth, thoughtfulness, and purpose beyond the surface that only seems to have been scratched upon on this debut offering. Lesser bands in the genre have seen greater success, so if there is any justice, ENOLA should undoubtedly be seen as a blue-chip prospect in the post-punk space.
8/10
All Is Forgiven is out November 3rd via Hell Beach and can be pre-ordered here.