Enola Fall - I Made A New Friend (EP)

If you live in Hobart and are part of the local original music scene at all, it’s hard not to be aware of Enola Fall. The band has been functional for quite some time now, and whilst several different members have come and gone it’s in essence a solo band – the main man being a guy by the name of Joe Nuttall. Enola Fall has received a lot of praise as a band, and has been rewarded through many profile gigs and supports with well known Australian artists – and, deservedly so. Joe is filling a gap in the Hobart original scene- his songs are indie/alternative based with folk and ambient leanings, which are a far cry from the abrasiveness of many of the other indie styled bands in our southern city.

Joe’s newest offering is an E.P entitled I Made A New Friend – 5 songs recorded and performed entirely by him, despite his current stellar live unit which features some of Hobart’s most talented and eclectic musicians. The first thing that strikes you is the actual album packaging. The artwork and design work is ultra professional, and very tasteful. And listening to the album doesn’t ruin any this established high level of quality- the recording itself is very clean and pristine, whilst retaining the right level of organicity. The music itself is very emotive, and Joe’s vocals really help dictate the mood even further within each track. I’m sure it’s been mentioned a million times, but his voice often reminds me of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke – the aforementioned band whom I would assume is or has been some kind of influence on the writing for Enola Fall since day 1. And although I make this comparison, the bands are obviously quite different – especially with Radiohead’s tendency to be far more melancholic and depressive. My favourite track would be 'We Become Wolves', a highly infectious and at times soaring musical endeavour.

On the whole, this E.P is great and a testament to the quality of music our state can at times produce. I do however have a small amount of negative things to say about this album. Firstly, the use of “electronic drums” doesn’t do the other instruments or music justice- I would have far preferred to hear this will real, live, organic drums. Also, I feel sometime the songs sort of begin to go somewhere and then end prematurely – but this is based on my tastes, and I believe that songwriters should generally write in whatever fashion they themselves feel most comfortable.

This cd definitely provides an enjoyable listening experience, and I heartily recommend any fans of passionate but mellow indie rock to pursue this – and if possible, see the band live as it is a very different and energetic beast.

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