Enemymine

     You can't really talk about Enemymine without talking about godheadSilo first, since one is a kind of transmutation of the other. Any older noise rock fans can probably skip this part since you no doubt know all about it already. godheadSilo reared its ugly head in Fargo, ND sometime in the early Nineties. After they lost their guitarist, Mike Kunka (bass) and Dan Haugh (drums) became a bass and drums two piece and subsequently one of the loudest bands touring at the time. After four LPs and several EPs they had become a pretty solid presence, especially after relocating to the Olympia, WA area. Sadly, Dan had an accident that severely damaged one of his hands and was left unable to play for some time. I am not exactly sure of the details, but it happened after the recording of Share the Fantasy in 1998. That album would be their last as godheadSilo. This is where Enemymine comes into play.

     Enemymine released their first EP in 1999 with Danny Sasaki on drums and Zak Sally from Low playing second bass. The addition of Zak Sally definitely had an influence on the sound of the record, lending it parts that were austere and quiet to somewhat balance the full on roar of Mike Kunka's playing. It was a really interesting mix and the self-titled EP is definitely worth seeking out for a listen
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     The pairing of Mike Kunka and Zak Sally only lasted for that one recording, for good or ill. Sally was replaced with Ryan Baldoz, and Enemymine honed their sound into a sharper and louder incarnation. This is the time period that I got the chance to see them. The pictures below are from the tour they did for their one and only full LP, The Ice In Me. Enemymine never put out anything else after that, which is a shame. Mike Kunka went on to be in Dead Low Tide with some of the guys from Murder City Devils, but this ended after he had a prolonged illness. On a happier note, Mike and Dan did get together for one more record together. Going by the name Smoke and Smoke, they recruited Spencer Moody from MCD to do vocal duties and put out an LP in 2009.

     All pictures below taken at The Pilot Light in Knoxville, TN sometime in 2000 or 2001. I don't remember specifically.

Enemymine at The Pilot Light, Knoxville, TN

Enemymine at The Pilot Light, Knoxville, TN

Enemymine at The Pilot Light, Knoxville, TN

Enemymine at The Pilot Light, Knoxville, TN

Enemymine at The Pilot Light, Knoxville, TN

     Here are a couple of Enemymine songs for your enjoyment. The first is with the Zak Sally lineup.

     And here's some old godheadSilo footage, just because.