:: Enik - Without A Bark

Enik

Two things are apparent on listening to Without A Bark for the first time – firstly, how reminiscent his work is of other artists, and second, how much digital effects and how much obvious (and sometimes intrusive) electronic manipulation has taken place. I am not much of a fan of Mr Bungle et al.. it makes for interesting listening, although the sound is not always particularly enjoyable. At times (“tired heads”) he seems almost Bjork-like, at other times he seems to be going for Trent Reznor territory (“the micro ocean”). Other times he seems more David Bowie – in some ways, although this single covers a large amount of territory in a short time, it almost seems Enik is name-checking his influences and inspirations. It definitely makes for some interesting listening, but it leaves a feeling that it is all a bit familiar, that we have heard this all before in different guises.