A few weeks ago at SXSW Sydney, I had the privilege of witnessing the performance of Ruby Marshall, the post-punk solo artist from Naarm (Melbourne) known as Enola. The experience felt reminiscent of the transformative impact that witnessing iconic bands like Sex Pistols or The Clash for the first time had on their audiences.
Just as those legendary bands conveyed messages of rebellion against ‘the man,’ ‘patriarchy,’ and ‘government,’ Enola seamlessly channelled the spirit of Public Image Ltd, Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Pretenders, and Chrissie Hynde, infusing punk with heartfelt emotion.
Enola‘s debut EP, All Is Forgiven featuring Maya Alexandra (bass), Joshua Prendergast (guitar), and James Tyrell (drums), is an emotional rollercoaster. From the anger-fueled intensity of “Waves” to the tender vulnerability in tracks like “Hurt You” and “Miss You,” each song carries a passionate message. Addressing personal and societal issues, climate crisis, and political turmoil, Enola‘s music is a powerful commentary on the contemporary human experience.
Opening with the anthemic “Strange Comfort,” the EP sets a bold tone, mirroring the thunderous bass and anthemic vocals that electrified Enola‘s SXSW Sydney set. “Looking Back” serves as a lyrical reminder that the past is just that, a reminder not to dwell but to move forward. Unveiling a softer side in unreleased tracks “Hurt” and “Miss You,” Enola showcases vocal echoes of Chrissie Hynde, revealing a raw and unguarded facet of Ruby’s artistry.
In a poignant reflection, Ruby expresses,
I wanna be someone that remains open, no matter what happens. I wanna keep showing up in love for the rest of my life. There’s nothing wrong with getting your heart broken! Go get your heart broken, it’s important. It’ll change you. So I commend all the people that keep rocking up for love.
The EP crescendos with the reflective and intense “Metal Body,” paving the way for the climactic anthem, “Waves,” a call to arms against the backdrop of societal tension, political turmoil, and the urgent need for compassion and softness.
On the song, Ruby says,
‘Waves’ is really centred on the frustration of it all, feeling like you’re in a boiling pot with everything, from the political climate to the climate crisis, mental health issues, just everywhere I look there’s that feeling of tension rising. When what we need is compassion, what we need is softness.
All Is Forgiven is a manifesto of resilience, vulnerability, and a rallying cry for a world in need of compassion. Enola transcends punk’s stereotypical aggression, delivering a sonic experience that resonates deeply with the complexities of the human condition.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Strange Comfort”, “Looking Back”, “Miss You”, “Waves”
Enola at SXSW Sydney
