Joining us in the studio for this Indie Rock Hit Parade session is “the Best Band Since Oasis;” just ask them! Hailing from Tacoma, Washington, Enumclaw take their name from a Native American thunder spirit, as well as a town in nearby King County. While there is a bit of PNW crunch to their music, their songs incorporate Britpop-style guitar swirl and passionate, lyrical vocals. Those vocals mostly belong to singer-guitarist Aramis Johnson, who is joined by guitarist Nathan Cornell, drummer Ladaniel Gipson, and bassist Eli Edwards. Formed shortly after several of the members began playing their respective instruments, Enumclaw quickly garnered attention for their heavy pop anthems. With their full-length debut, Save the Baby, arriving this fall on Luminelle Records, Enumclaw stopped by our studio while on tour with Toro y Moi to premiere some of the new material.
Those who have been following the rollout for Save the Baby will recognize the thrilling singles “Jimmy Neutron” and “Cowboy Bepop.” These songs pop culture-addled titles belie their urgent melodies and ripped-from-diary lyrics. You may have to wait until the full album is released to hear the official takes of “10th and J” and “Apartment,” though the band’s well-honed live performances (particularly Johnson’s solo acoustic rendition of the latter) serve as enticing previews.
Listen to Enumclaw’s Indie Rock Hit Parade session below, watch a few of the band’s performances via NPR Live Sessions, and check out Galea McGregor’s photos from the studio…