This week, American indie rockers Enumclaw released their second full-length album, Home In Another Life. Hailing from Tacoma, Washington, the band’s name references the small town of 12,000 people located about 45 minutes east of Tacoma. But beyond the census details of small-town America, “Enumclaw” is a Native American word meaning “thundering noise,” a fitting description for a band that delivers the wall of sound that Enumclaw do. Drawing inspiration from the alt-rock and grunge sounds of the ’90s and early 2000s, the band have a driving, chaotic energy that feels both nostalgic and fresh, ultimately filling a void in the landscape of modern guitar music.
The band deftly balances influences from grunge, pop-punk, and alt-rock, while bringing their own brand of old-school slacker rock to the forefront. It may sound contradictory, but there’s something genuinely exciting about the way Enumclaw dips into a time-honoured well and emerges with something distinctively their own. As a new listener, I see the band becoming more synonymous with the region of their namesake than its notorious Wikipedia search result (which I strongly advise against looking up).
The album opens with “I’m Scared I’ll End Up All Alone,” a powerful introduction driven by heavy guitar feedback and fuzzy, relentless riffs. For those who cherish the gritty sound of ’90s rock, this track offers a comforting throwback. The production masterfully treads the line between chaotic overdrive and restrained elegance, ensuring the song never devolves into a muddled mess—a quality that extends across the entire album. Lead singer Aramis Johnson wears his heart on his sleeve, with raw, attitude-laden lyrics like “How could I love someone like you, if I hate myself? Man, ain’t that the truth,” setting the tone for the album.
“Not Just Yet” follows with a brisk 2:02 runtime, yet it packs a punch. The crunchy guitar riffs are reminiscent of a Tony Hawk game soundtrack, while Johnson’s raspy shouts of “Not Just Yet” deliver a powerful, compact statement. “Sink” shifts gears with an acoustic intro and a thumping bassline, capturing the essence of adolescent angst in a way I feel simply doesn’t exist in music right now. Lyrics like “Cause I wanna ash my cigarette on the kitchen counter” offer a potent mix of frankness and attitude, though I wish the track were longer than its sub-two-minute length, even if it leaves a lasting impression.
“Spots” keeps the momentum going with a head-bobbing drum performance and fuzz-heavy guitars, complemented by quick-flowing lyrics. Leaning into their punk influences, the repeated shouts of “I’m in love with you!” exemplify Enumclaw’s ability to navigate between hard-hitting rock and tender, heart-wrenching lyricism. “I Still Feel Bad About Masturbation” not only earns the title of my favourite song name of the year but also delivers an excellent gradual build-up of guitars and drums. They dynamics are great here and as the longest track on the album at 4:10, it makes me wish more songs explored their musical opportunities the same way.
“Haven’t Seen The Family In A While, I’m Sorry” is another standout, with a title that lands on the podium in the race for best names. The track leans into the band’s indie rock stylings, bringing a refreshing change of pace. Moments of swelling guitar screeches evoke a “Wicked Game”-inspired vibe, while lyrics like “Missing your crooked smile, haven’t seen you in a while, you grew up too fast” poignantly reflect on the passage of time..
“Grocery Store” offers a cool narrative shift, telling the story of a girl named Sally. With its singalong melody, it stands out as one of the catchiest tracks on the album. The fuzz-laden guitar solo is a highlight, and the chorus is sure to stay lodged in your head long after the song ends. “Change” follows with some sustained guitar chords and the band kicking in on the hit line of the songs title “this time I want change”. I can’t tell if the albums pairing of sonic and lyrical idiosyncrasies really hit a peak in this middle third of the album or if the bands infectious style just gets into your head better at this stage of the album, but “Change” solidifies the album’s impact heading into its final act.
“Fall Came Too Soon And Now I Wanna Throw Up” returns to the band’s grungier roots, with a snarling bass intro and jangling guitar riff that set the stage for introspective lyrics. Lines like “So many new vices to spice it up, to fill up the space that should be love. Sometimes it fits just like a glove, and sometimes it makes me want to throw up” convey a raw, visceral honesty. “This Light Of Mine” follows with a “fuck yeah” to open led by chilled-out guitar riffs, serving as one of the album’s hidden gems. Its angsty, aggressive tone feels like a reward for listeners who stick around to the end. Finally, the album closes with “I Want Somethings For Myself,” a raw, room-recorded track that encapsulates the unexpected and unconventional choices that define the album.
As the final notes fade, it’s clear that Home In Another Life will resonate with a particular type of listener—those who appreciate music that’s unpolished, honest, and full of passion. While some might dismiss it as unserious or chaotic, they are likely to brush it off with a hand wave and an eye roll so severe it could cause injury. And that might be fair. There is a lot to miss about this band though if you’re really only looking at the surface. For those who embrace its rough edges, this album offers a refreshing, invigorating ride. And if it’s not your cup of tea, at least it’s only a 30-minute investment.
Ultimately, Home In Another Life is a fast, no-frills rock album by a band that is beginning to master the delivery of passion, pastiche and intensity in equal measure. With the ability to tackle real human experiences—such as family facing early-onset Alzheimer’s in tracks like “Not Just Yet”—it’s clear that Enumclaw has some of their best work ahead of them. The album’s short run times encourage repeat listens, and these are listens they’ve genuinely earned. Comfortable and nostalgic, yet frantic and fresh, Home In Another Life is an excellent follow up and one that’s sure to earn Enumclaw much praise.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Home In Another Life is out today. Grab it HERE
Header image credit: Colin Matsui
