PROFILE: Enon

...hey there, it's been a while. We've been keeping an eye on things from a distance and enjoying one of the best seasons we've seen in a while. We also still take time occasionally to do some work on this blog. We recently had the pleasure of talking with John Schmersal from Enon, who will be rolling into Dayton this weekend to perform at Gilly's. Here's what he had to say...

The Buddha Den: It's been a while since Enon has palyed in Dayton [Dayton Music Fest 2007, to be exact]. What is the impetus for getting the band out on the road at this point? What has been keeping you and the band busy in the interim?

John Schmersal: Well, we have been working on a new set up with our new drummer and some new tunes and wanted to give it some air. We've never really needed a reason or an excuse to go on tour. For me, it is easy as I am from Ohio, to come back to the Midwest. It's as much of a family/friends visiting affair as it is a musical one. What's kept us busy. Well we released Grass Geysers and toured and toured and toured. That ended around last July. We went to europe like 3 times and again for festivals in the summer. Since then we've just been regrouping and working on new stuff. We are playing with a new drummer Thomas, from here in Philly, he used to play drums for Man Man.

TBD: We understand you've been working with some bands from this region that have records coming out this summer, Human Reunion and Eat Sugar. How did you come to work with both of them? How do you feel about being sought out as a recordist/producer?

JS: Well, HR I have known those guys for years and it was just a matter of time I suppose.Eat Sugar, we played with them last year on tour and then they wrote later on and asked if I'd be interested. I actually did their record in August right when I got back from finishing the touring. I like recording groups but, I am pretty selective about it as it becomes very time consuming and it always takes more time than budget allows so, it has to be a labor of love. I wouldn't want to record/produce bands all the time but, it is a nice break from Enon and other commercial stuff I do when the timing and the music is right! I am glad people approach me about this stuff. It's nice to be in demand a little.

TBD: With the recent demise of Touch and Go Records, where does Enon find itself in terms of releasing new music? How has this reconfiguration of the indie label scene affected your approach? Where do you see the music industry going from here?

JS: We aren't thinking too hard about it, just trying to write a good batch of new tunes and we will take it from there. I have no idea what is/will happen with the music industry. It's still in flux and it's affecting everything from bands, to labels, to distribution, to recording studios, budgets, even videos. You name it. I don't have any answers. People will always want to listen to new music and in fact people are kind of becoming like vampires about it which is a real turn off, in my opinion. Not too cool.

TBD: Your work with Enon and previously with Brainiac seems to have spread its influence fairly wide over the last several years. How do you feel about your work being so influential? Why do you think so many musicians have tuned into your work as a reference point?

JS: I have no perspective on what I have done from the outside looking in. I try not to dwell on the past but, I am glad that people still care about anything that I've been involved with. Music can be pretty disposable, here today and forgotten tomorrow so, it's nice that some of it is sticking in peoples' minds. That will always feel good.

TBD: Within the last year, a site came online called The Brainiac Live Archive Project. The site has collected numerous live audio and video sources in an attempt to gather together Brainiac's legacy. How do you feel about your work in Brainiac? How do you remember the Dayton music scene in the early- to mid-90s? Do you feel there is something unique about making music in Dayton as opposed to a higher-profile city?

JS: I had no idea about the Brainiac Archive Project, that sounds cool. Where is it? etc. Brainiac seems like so long ago now. It really was a happy and much simpler time. Well stocked thrift stores, pawn shops, flea markets... unraided by the successes of Ebay. Mostly pre internet, certainly pre high speed. I feel like the web has changed that dynamic a bit.. making music in a high profile city vs. a Dayton sized city. Everybody has access to culture even if it doesn't come right to the doorstep of a local venue. I don't think it matters where you are from as much anymore. Living in a small town definitely still affords you the time and space to be creative/bored/creative vs. the race to just pay rent in a major metro city. But, that's really the largest difference that still remains. Even just being in a band and going on tour is not such a big deal these days. Everybody has access to approximations of vintage keyboard sounds through computer synths, etc. Any band can cobble together some semblance of a tour through myspace or the like. Being in a band is about as dangerous or rogue as working in a fast food restaurant anymore wherever you are from. A kid from Virginia might not look much different than a kid from L.A. via American Apparel stylings readily available. I'm glad information etc. is available to all but, is homogenization cool? I don't think so.

TBD: Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know?

JS: Colman's original English mustard is the best! I wasn't paid to say that.

...you catch Enon out on tour this Saturday, June 20 at Gilly's along with D Riders (ex-US Maple) and local flavor from Human Reunion, Astro Fang, and Nathan Peters...

Buzz Chimp Productions Presents: The Human Reunion/Pretty & Nice-Tonight @ South Park Tavern

...it's been quite the busy weekend in the Gem City. Tonight is the icing on the cake. Head on over to South Park Tavern tonight for an electrifying conclusion to your weekend or an overamplified jumpstart to your St. Patrick's Day festivities. In their first localappearance since Dayton Music Fest, Human Reunion return to the stage along with their buddies from Boston, Pretty & Nice, who haven't stopped through town since we had them back in September. P&N are on their way to SXSW and the VOV Festival in Arkansas in support of last years' Get Young album (out on Hardly Art). We'll see you there...

MP3: Human Reunion "Red Ape"
MP3: Pretty & Nice "Tora, Tora, Tora"
MP3: Pretty & Nice "Grab Your Nets"

Yea Big & Kid Static Cover The Human Reunion

...this just came across our desk and we just had to get it up here for ya's. The Human Reunion have brought through Chicago's Yea Big + Kid Static a number of times. It's no surprise then that YB+KS would do something like do a mash up of the entire debut EP from Human Reunion. On top of that, this clip features some excellent fire antics from The Soul Fire Tribe. Check it out...

Dayton Music Fest 08 -10.4.08

...although last year we were able to cover a fair amount of the Dayton Music Fest, we admittedly fell for the hype surrounding the potential for a sellout at Gilly's in anticipation of Robert Pollard's homecoming show with his new band, Boston Spaceships. As a result, our account of the evening focuses on the action at Gilly's. Still, we were very excited about what we saw...

...kicking things off were last-minute additions, Hospital Garden. Having seen them a number of times over the last few months, we felt the band turned in one of their best sets. Likewise, The Sailing rose to the occasion and delivered a powerful set for a swelling audience. At long last, Boston Spaceships took the stage following a surprise introduction by none other than GBV alumni, Don Thrasher. For the part of the set that we caught, Pollard and co. combed through a flurry of material from Brown Submarine, as well as recent releases by The Takeovers and Pollard's recent solo album, Robert Pollard is off to Business. Although we were not fortunate enough to hear any classic material, Pollard's newest live band might very well be one of the best lineups Pollard has ever assembled...

Hospital Garden


The Sailing


Boston Spaceships


...after staying stationary for way too long on this night, we finally ventured over to Blind Bob's to catch a few of our favorites at DMF. Rolling into the Oregon District, the energy on the street was great. People were everywhere and seeming to have a great time. We caught the last half of Astro Fang's set, which may have been their best ever. The sound in the room was much improved over our previous venture into Blind Bob's, which we were very pleased about. We caught a few songs from the new lineup of Lab Partners, and they likewise sounded great. With the night waning, we headed out to try and stop into one more club...


...we got to Oregon Express just in time to catch a few songs from Human Reunion. By this point, we were getting a bit burned out, but the band sounded great...


...although we had a pretty good time, it would have been nice to have seen more. For more photos, go here.

...How did your night go? Got any good pictures?

Astro Magpie Winter

...if yr heading out tonight, here's our recommendations:


...still the "new" venue in Dayton, Blind Bob's is hosting a good one tonight. Brace yourself for the one-two punch of The Human Reunion and Astro Fang. Seems like every time these two get together it's a big one...

...if you're something a little more relaxed, head over to the Trolley Stop to check out The Magpies from Cleveland. They've been making Dayton a regular tour stop and have earned a pretty loyal following here in town. Stop in to dig the buzz....

...finally, a couple of great touring bands are stopping through Oregon Express tonight. Up from the Deep South, touring partners The Winter Sounds and Look Mexico should make for a good night. Also on the bill, locals Murmur will be releasing their debut CD...

Shawen Acres/The Story Changes/Human Reunion-Tonight @ Canal Street Tavern

...tonight at Canal Street Tavern, you've got the chance to see three guys who have part of the Dayton scene for over fifteen years each. Shawen Acres is the newest project from Nate Farley who has served time in GBV, The Amps, and The Method. Punk outfit The Story Changes has been led by Mark McMillon in numerous incarnations and names for years. Tonight will also be the farewell show for TSC bassist Kyle, who will be returning to Minnesota. Human Reunion features Jeremy Fredricks who played in Cigarhead, Lazy, Let's Crash, and The Dirty Walk before landing in this project. Head on down tonight and learn how it's been done in Dayton for years...

Human Reunion Video Shoot Canceled

...after reporting the announcement of their video shoot last week, The Human Reunion made this announcement over the weekend:

Due to forces beyond our control, we will not be able to film our music video at Blind Bob's Tavern this Wendnesday July 30th. Sorry to pre-maturaly get your panties in a bunch, but worry not, we will get together sometime real soon and lovingly hand smooth them for you. Keep your peepers peeped for new developments. Rubs and kisses, HR.

...we'll be sure to keep you informed as the situation unfolds...

Human Reunion to shoot video @ Blind Bob's

...local electro-rock gurus The Human Reunion will be issuing their debut album, Arc de Square, this fall on Squids Eye Records. In anticipation of the release, the band plan to shoot a video next week. Here's the lowdown...

The Human Reunion will be filming our first music video on Wednesday the 30th at the new BLIND BOB'S TAVERN (formerly the night owl) and we want you to be in it. We need your warm and supple bodies to fill the room for shooting. All that will be required is for you to show up as the sun goes down, somewhere around 9:00 pm. Be prepared to alternately stand completely still and freak out like it's your job. This may take a while to get done so we will be providing FREE BEER to those with proper I.D. Come get your 15 minutes of fame on us, enjoy some free hooch, and see Dayton's newest bar and music venue before it opens. Hope to see you there. We'll be the ones with the camera.

Should be a good thing for the band and the new club. Get on down....

The Human Reunion/Romance of the Young Tigers/Lungs @ CADC

...upon arriving at the gallery space in the Cannery District, we were informed that the PA had not arrived and that the out-of-town-band, Unpsparing Sea (from Cleveland), had canceled. As fas as we were concerned, this was absolutely no way to start the evening. Alas, we waited. And waited. And waited. Eventually, Lungs began and thankfully their bludgeoning riffs and sprawling grind were sufficient to bring us back into enjoyment of the evening. As a band we'd not yet seen in town, Lungs were a welcome surprise. Drawing heavily from such 90s icons as Slint and Unwound, Lungs has taken enough from that palate and added their own sludgy melodicism to the template. On this particular evening, the band suffered through several gear failures, but still came out just fine. Apparently, the band is gearing up to release a 7" later this summer, so stay tuned for more on that...



...as if the evening couldn't drag out any longer and be riddled with any more gear failures, as Romance of the Young Tigers prepared for their set they were befallen by numerous gear-related issues that put their start time well past that promised for the headliner. Regardless, once the group began, their ebb and flow of sonic landscapes resonated through the gallery and out on the streets of Dayton like an ocean across the harsh post-industrial landscape. As the sheets of distortion raged and retreated, the subtlety of the electric piano offered a welcome familiarity against the backdrop of feedback. While Romance of the Young Tigers continues to challenge audiences in Dayton and beyond, we'd have to say that it's an experience best enjoyed through recorded mediums...


...after enduring the numerous technical barriers, we simply could not hold out for The Human Reunion to take the stage. We apologize to both readers and the band for this, but if anyone has a report or imagery, we'd love to hear it...

DDC Benefit feat. The Human Reunion/Unsparing Sea/Romance of the Young Tigers/Lungs-Tonight @ CADC

...in their ongoing efforts to infuse the Dayton music scene with new life and vigor, the Dayton Dirt Collective will be holding a benefit show this evening at the CADC Gallery (520 E. Third St. in the Cannery building). Headlining the event will be none other than the Kings of Clack, The Human Reunion. Also on the bill are Romance of the Young Tigers, the haunting Americana of Unsparing Sea (from Cleveland), and post-rock outfit Lungs. We'll see ya there....

Human Reunion/Yea Big + Kid Static/The Goody Two Shoes @ Pearl 5.15.08

...as the brutally cold rain fell down on this Thursday night, those who were undeterred received a very special treat this night at the Pearl in the form of one incredible show. Opening the evening, the always-splendidly-dressed The Goody Two Shoes hit the ground running, sounding the best we've ever heard them. Truly, the band has put in some very hard work and it is really beginning to pay off. The sparkle of their choruses that were once buried under murky guitars and shaky rhythms were delivered on this night with a confidence and sense of purpose. We understand the band is currently in the studio working on some new tracks. We're most certainly looking forward to more from The Goody Two Shoes...




...next up were the dynamic duo of Yea Big + Kid Static from Chicago. Their ability to bring fun and a sense of humor back into hip-hop effortlessly won over the audience on this night. As the pair winded and weaved through the crowd, jumping on every surface they could find, and even inciting many in the audience to break loose and just dance, we could not have been more grateful that Yea Big + Kid Static continue to make Dayton a regular tour stop...




...closing out the evening, Human Reunion offered up their finest in electronic manipulations. The driving rhythms of drummer Ian Kaplan and bassist Alan Baker undeniably anchor this band. As the synths and angular guitar work slashes across the sound, the band's songs continue to shine through. We're hoping that the band is able to release it's debut before too long and get it out to the masses...

Human Reunion/Yea Big + Kid Static/The Goody Two Shoes-Tonight @ Pearl

...as if this week has already been a good one, there's a really great bill over at Pearl tonight. Headlining will be the always-exciting Human Reunion,, who have been bringing it on strong since their return to activity last month. They'll be hosting Chi-town hip-hop duo Yea Big + Kid Static, who you absolutely have to catch. Seriously. Opening the evening will be garage mainstays The Goody Two Shoes....

...we spoke earlier this week with Yea Big + Kid Static's Stefen Robinson (a.k.a. Yea Big) about their upcoming visit to Dayton. Here's what he had to say...

The Buddha Den: For our readers who aren't familiar with Yea Big + Kid Static, can you tell us a little bit about how the project started? What were you each doing before?

Yea Big: We met through the internets. I was looking for a vocalist to work with and Static came to my rescue. Before our union we both had solo projects and various other things/bands going on. But once we started working together we quickly realized we were way better together than apart, so this project became the focus for both of us.

TBD: You infuse an incredible dose of humor and self-deprecation into your particular brand of hip-hop. What made you decide to go that route?

YB: That's just the type of dues we are. Static writes all of the lyrics, and he has a particular knack for his kind of smart, humorous, and as you called it "self-deprecating" style. It's easily relatable shit, i think.

TBD: It's great that you continue to make Dayton a regular stop when you're out. What is it that keeps you coming back to Dayton? How do audiences react to your live show both here and throughout the country?

YB: The people are what keep us coming back to Dayton. we love the bands we've gotten to play with here, and all the folks involved with booking the shows, and the audiences are always super fun, and all the awesome people who have lets us sleep on their floors. It's just a good time whenever we come. we get relatively warm responses pretty much everywhere we go these days. It's actually really heart-warming. Even when we are in a town we've never been to before performing for 10 people, those 10 people really come through for us. We're lucky to meet so many nice folks, for sure.

TBD: When we caught at Therapy Cafe back in October, your debut disc had just come out on JIB. How has the response been to your album? How have things changed for you since it's release?

YB: The response to the album has been decent. It sells well on the road. We've gotten some solid reviews and whatnot. Things haven't changed a whole lot since the record came out, except we're finding that more people do know who we are these days. But that could be for any number of reasons.

TBD: What can people expect from the live Yea Big + Kid Static experience?

YB: Dynamic hip thrusts and shimmies.

TBD: Is there anything else that you'd like our readers to know?

YB: We both really like Tim Fite's new record, Fair Ain't Fair. You should check it out.

...so, get down to Pearl tonight and check out Yea Big + Kid Static, as well as Human Reunion & The Goody Two Shoes. You know it's gonna be a good one...

Holy Fuck/Human Reunion-Tonight @ Gypsy Hut (Cincinnati)

...if yr feeling like you need to get out of town for a night, here's a perfectly good excuse to do so...Daytonian switch flippers Human Reunion are opening for indie buzz band Holy Fuck (from Toronto), who will be heading over to Europe this summer to perform at such notable festivals as Glastonbury, Reading, and Pukkelpop. Festivities this evening take place at The Gypsy Hut in Cincinnati's Northside neighborhood. You know it's gonna be electric. You know it's gonna melt yr mind. You know yr gonna go...

VIDEO: Human Reunion "The Rub"

...courtesy of our good friend, Carolyn, here is some footage from the Human Reunion's set at the Nite Owl last Saturday night. While the audio is a little distorted, you can hear everyone in the band pretty well. Check out what you missed...

The Buddha Den Showcase Presents: Andrew & The Pretty Punchers @ South Park Tavern & Human Reunion/Grizzzzy Bear @ Nite Owl 4.12.08

...as we began our evening with our show over at South Park Tavern, we'll start our report there. With our first foray into hosting our own events, we were very excited to be showcasing Andrew & the Pretty Punchers. Being the only band of the evening, the audience seemed more than satisfied with the new format. A&TPP turned in a rousing performance filled with love songs, screams, and drinking songs that drew the audience fully into their world. More like a house party than a typical bar show, the lines between band and audience were blurred throughout the night as both pushed each other, with the result an incredible beginning to The Buddha Den Showcase series. We'd like to thank everyone that came out to support this event....



...after wrapping up our event, we bolted over to the Nite Owl to catch the last two bands of the evening, the twin forces that are Human Reunion and Grizzzzy Bear. With the club packed to capacity, Grizzzzy Bear unleashed their newer, more aggressive onslaught with a precision and a sense of purpose that we had not heard in the newer material before. After a couple of months spent trying to solidify this new direction, on this night everything seemed to come together for Grizzzzy. Peppering the set with their more familiar material off their debut disc, the new songs seemed to gel within their set in a way we had hoped would materialize. Take notice Dayton...



...making their first appearance of the year, Human Reunion took to the stage with an urgency that fueled their set with a fire that truly placed them at the top of the heap in Dayton. Their pulsating beats firmly grounded the music as their trademark synth squibbles careened around the room, whipping the audience into an absolute frenzy. With Jeremy Fredericks prowling the stage and further enticing the audience, Human Reunion served notice that they are still a formidable musical force in Dayton...



For more photos from the night, click here.

Human Reunion/Grizzzzy Bear/The Iry/Kink Ador-Tonight@Nite Owl

...seriously, we weren't kidding when we said tonight was HUGE. Check this out: two of Dayton's finest are heading up a big show over at Nite Owl tonight. The Kings of Clacktoids, Human Reunion, return from months of absence to headline this one. You've also got the white hot synth-lovers Grizzzzy Bear, who have been tearing up Dayton as of late, making quite a mark on the scene. Opening the night will be The Iry (from Columbus; think Interpol) and Kink Ador (from Nashville; indie/new wave), both of whom are making tour stops in the Gem City tonight. You know this is one you'll not want to miss...

The Motel Beds @ Nite Owl 3.22.08

...with so many great shows in Dayton last night, we chose to attend a single event rather than running a marathon throughout Dayton. In our defense, we caught an amazing set by a long-too-latent talent in this town, The Motel Beds, over at Nite Owl. Led by PJ Paslosky and Tommy Cooper (also of Captain of Industry) and rounded out by members of Human Reunion and Captain of Industry, the band dished out some incredible new material as well as dusting off some gems from their previous incarnation. As one sublime melody after another whizzed by our heads and the band seamlessly complemented each other at every turn, we were left hoping that sooner than later we get a new disc from The Motel Beds...

Pearls On Canal Street.....

In a situation in which our presence was demanded at two places simultaneously, we did our absolute best to bring you all the action from an uncharacteristically wonderful Friday night. Off we went to Pearl and Canal Street Tavern...

...first up was an early start over at Pearl. Yes, they actually started before 10. Up first was the noise rock trio, Caverns. Suffering through extended technical difficulties, the trio bowed out earlier than expected, but showed some promise once the ghosts are driven from the machines....

...next up was The Forms from Brooklyn, with their impeccable post-punk/indie pop that would have drawn in fans of Les Savy Fav or Berlin-period Bowie. In addition to the remarkable tracks on their new self-titled disc, the band also regaled us with a fine rendition of Nirvana's "All Apologies". I guess we're allowed to do grunge covers now....



....with the knowledge that we would need to be over at Canal Street Tavern soon, we tried to catch a few tunes from Human Reunion before taking our leave. As expected, the band was in fine form, with Jeremy Fredricks lambasting the audience in his trademark style and the requisite blips, screeches, and twisted rhythmic attacks coalescing into what we can only conclude resulted in a show we're sorry we had to leave...(yes, we went black and white on this one...why not?)...



...although we left Pearl early in an attempt to catch at least part of Captain of Industry's opening set, we failed. Miserably. Our loss. We were looking forward to catching the band before they head off to NYC to begin work on their much-anticipated third album....although we missed COI, we were in for a real treat as Southeast Engine prepared to delve into material off their incredible new album, A Wheel Within a Wheel. From the first note, it was easily apparent that this septet meant business. Frontman Adam Remnant commanded the audience's attention with his intimations and allegories as his band charged and chugged and restrained in all the right moments. With a nearly packed house, this was an incredible homecoming show for these Oakwood lads....




...if you'd like to see more photos from the evening, wander over here....

The Humans and the Captains....

Ladies and gentlemen, you simply could not ask for a better set of rock n' roll options this evening. Two of Dayton's finest will be hosting some great out-of-towners, two of whom have just released incredible new albums....

....starting earlier in the evening will be electro-wizards, The Human Reunion, headlining over at the Pearl. They've done us a favor by hosting The Forms from Brooklyn, who are out on tour in support of their great new self-titled album. For those keeping score, it was recorded by none other than Steve Albini. We highly recommend you get down and pick this record up. Also on the bill will be newer locals, the noise-rock of Caverns, who will be opening the evening. We're planning to get there early and then roll over to.....

....Canal Street Tavern to catch the CD release party for Southeast Engine's latest, A Wheel Within A Wheel, out now on Misra Records. Fans of Wilco and The Hold Steady will not want to miss this one. Opening the night are the venerable Dayton favorites, Captain of Industry, who will invariably bring to you their idiosyncratic indie rock stylings....

....so make your choice. you can't go wrong. get adventurous and try both out....we will....

Human Reunion/Eat Sugar @ Nite Owl 10.26.07

For a weekend where everyone seemed to be saving it up for a big Saturday night, Dayton had plenty of great shows on the nights leading up to the Halloween celebrations...Friday at Nite Owl was no exception...



Making another trip up from Cincinnati, Eat Sugar looked and sounded great. Their hyperactive synths and grinding bass created a frenetic sound over top of the steady, danceable pulse of the drums, both acoustic and electronic. Like a deranged conductor, vocalist Aidan Bogosian howled and contorted across the stage. We can't wait for them to come back...



Next up was The Human Reunion...although somewhat hindered by technical issues and varying degrees of inebriation, HR demonstrated yet again why they are regarded as one of the best bands in Dayton. With atonal keyboard attacks soaring over the primal rhythms, Tim Krug and Jeremy Fredericks alternated as the voice of the mayhem...with their debut full-length still pending, we can't wait for it to arrive...

all photos from this show by Marla Bremer