Enon

If Enon will ever surpass the notoriety of their members’ former associations is the ultimate question for this Philadelphia-based band; it is the answer that will define their legacy. Like their six previous records, unfortunately Grass Geysers isn’t the record to make people forget that singer/guitarist John Schmersal was in the brilliant Brainiac, or that Toko Yasuda spent time in both Blonde Redhead and the Lapse. However, their fourth full-length (and first in four years) further bolsters their reputation as a bizarre little band that have forged a career out of consistently writing inconsistent yet satisfying albums. Grass Geysers actually finds more consistency than any of their releases yet. Sure, Schmersal and Yasuda still polarise with their aggressive and passive vocals, respectively, but on a raucous song like "Those Who Don’t Blink,” they prove perhaps that they are strongest together. As always, the band’s habit to exist as both an experimental and pop act keeps things interesting. "Pigeneration” employs a marching band rhythm to make its statement and "Ashish” mixes in a dub-like pulse. But now Enon appear to be a better pop band, with the surf rockage of "Sabina” and the unforgettable chorus in "Mr. Ratatatatat.” Enon are still frustrating; they appear closer than ever to reaching that career-defining album and yet come up just short with the steadier Grass Geysers. One of these days they’ll either get there or fold, but I have full confidence in them cutting their masterpiece.