Enzymes
The Enzymes from; Drogheda Active; 1980 – 1982
Line up;
Style; New Wave
Roger O’Reilly Guitar & Vocals
Gavan Kierans Bass & Vocals
Joe McCormack Drums
Joe McCormack and Gavan Kierans were both also involved with Exile in the Kingdom, I don’t know if this was pre or post the Enzymes. As both bands were active at the same time they may well have been gigging with both bands consecutively.
Enzymes (New Wave) line up Roger “The Goose” O’Reilly, Gavan Kierans, Joe McCormack According to one leading music head in Drogheda this week the Enzymes recent recording stint in RTE turned out to be a flop.
RTE Recording
The Enzymes recorded 5 tracks over two days at the RTE studio in Donneybrook. The band were given the chance to record after Ian Wilson herd their first demo tape. He perticuarly like their song “White Noise”.
One band member is said to have been dissatisfied with the work of RTE disc jockey, Dave Fanning and his radio producer, Ian Wilson, who produced the Enzyme’s demo tape.
Seemingly the attitude of the RTE boys was to get the Enzymes in and out of the studio as quickly as possible.
The demo tape itself has been described as a disastrous piece of work by those who listened to it – not up to the usual high recording standards usually attained by the Enzymes.
Hot Press Demo Tape review
However let’s hope the band has better luck next time they go recording. (Waterford News & Star Feb 82)
Hot Press Demo Tape review Immediately, let it be started that that this demo tape dates from last July, and that since then The Enzymes have gone to do a session tape for the – gasp! – Dave Fanning Show. Having heard both, I can only say, hand on heart, that the Slane demo tape is immeasurably – oh, okay, yards – better than Mr Ian Wilson’s production.
The Style of Joy Division & The Cure
The Enzymes’ “Sound” is akin to that of a combination of The Cure, Joy Division, et al. If that generates an impression of doleful, depressing dance music you’d be right, but, how can I best express it, you’d also be wrong. You would, in fact, be a jiving contradiction.
In The Year 5 & low Life
The best factors of The Enzymes’ narrowed musical approach are the good melodies and non soporific nor dirge like tunes – you really can hum along to them – and a seemingly constrained, but open pop sensibility. “In The Year 5” is a good example of this, and “Lowlife” is a bad example.
Backing Vocals
On the negative side are Roger O’Reilly’s sometimes mumbled vocals – ditto the back up support – and Joe McCormick’s tin box like drumming. Nevertheless these criticisms apply to the tape only; live the band are good deal more impressive. As of now, The Enzymes have the talent and the ideas, but they do need to channel their resources in a more productive direction. Tony Clayton Lea
Roger O’Reilly
Roger O’Reilly is now an illustrator living in Kilkenny Lighthouse Editions | Lighthouse Prints & Illustrations
Gavan
Gavan is involved with the up and coming band Thanks mom from Kildare thanksmomband.com.