Enemy Hogs

Album review

Oneida were born a little too late, and that's probably a good thing for post-punk fans at the end of the '90s. The band has been greatly influenced by Wire and other later punk innovators like Hüsker Dü, transferring many of those bands' elements to the palette of the late '90s. Oneida keep their attention to tune and quick playing, but incorporate bits of garage rock, noise art, and even free jazz. Enemy Hogs defies categorization itself, the only possible class being the rather blanket-like "art rock." When they use lyrics, (which isn't too often) they are punchy, pronounced, and direct. And they play all types of instruments, finding new sounds for each organ, horn, or string. Most importantly, though, Oneida keep on rocking all the way through. What's also very impressive about the band is their recording technique and gift for capturing such a live sound in the studio. Certainly they could play loud and together with no overdubs, but that alone wouldn't make Enemy Hogs sound the way that it does. They exercise enough restraint to sound good, rather than just noisy, and they're no slouches when it comes to skill, either. Oneida play with deft precision and speed. It doesn't last all that long, but it sure sounds good.
© Ken Taylor /TiVo