There’s something exiting about enduring groups whose members are prolific, busy and far-ranging in their individual activities but return on a regular, if occasional basis to a beloved project. That’s the case with Enemy which features pianist Kit Downes, bassist Petter Eldh, and drummer James Maddren. Fiend is only their fourth album since they formed in 2018 and their first live outing – recorded over two nights at the Bird’s Eye club in Basel.
This group are all rhythmic masters and the pieces sparkle with tunes that land easy on the ear but unquestionably require great skill to play. Kit Downes is one of the finest pianists to emerge in Europe in the last twenty years and it’s a joy to be able to hear him in the wide range of settings he’s placed himself in recent years. These include in trio with Bill Frisell, duets with Seb Rochford and Norma Winstone and also solo. Enemy shows him at his most dynamic and crackling and the joyous energy these three enjoy leaps in to the ears
This is our album of the week for the week commencing 21st April 2025