Kit Downes – p
Petter Eldh – b
James Maddren – dr
The first live album FIEND will be released on April 11, 2025!
ENEMY is a trio from Berlin and London bursting with charisma and energy, led by pianist Kit Downes, bassist Petter Eldh and drummer James Maddren. Their two albums to date, ENEMY (Edition, 2018) and VERMILLION (ECM, 2022), have been described by the UK Guardian as “utterly intense” and “beautifully intricate” and feature three brilliant and creative musical minds, all equally dedicated to the exploration of constant change. Their music is the creative antithesis of the otherwise romanticized piano trio: ENEMY is all about intensity and complexity – cryptic rhythms and wonky beats with lightning-fast reactions and high focus – written to deliberately push the musicians to their limits, both creatively and technically. The music is powerful, complex and edgy, with shifting pulse and dynamics, incredible piano runs, ripping grooves and intricate drumming, but then again full of catchy melodies and engaging poetry. ENEMY is uncompromising, physical, playful and extravagant.
Each member of ENEMY has achieved personal recognition in the jazz and music world in general (including a nomination for the Mercury Music Award, a nomination for the ECHO Jazz, several nominations for the Downbeat Critics Poll, a BBC Jazz Award and a German Jazz Award). Most recently, Petter Eldh received the German Jazz Award 2024. Kit Downes has now been presented with the Paul Acker Award “Artist Deserving Wider Recognition” at the North Sea Jazz Festival 2024. The jury’s statement said: “(…) Downes’ music prides itself on being expressive, complex and spontaneous”. He played his award-winning concert with ENEMY in July.
Das aktuelle Album THE BETRAYAL (WeJazz), das im September 2023 veröffentlicht wurde, zeigt dieses Trio voller Widersprüche erneut auf der Suche nach dem perfekten Verhältnis von lyrischer Sorgfalt, Intensität, eruptiven Ausbrüchen und harschen Kontrasten – live im Zusammenspiel auf einem Niveau, wie man es selten zu hören bekommt.
Although they are always on the move, they have a real “swing” to their sound, and there is always a bigger idea to the music than just playing it, whatever that idea may be at any given time. Their music is natural, and why wouldn’t it be, because it’s based on many years of collaboration and friendship.
As Kit Downes once said, “Whatever the situation, I always look forward to meeting up with Petter and James again and discussing everything from W.G. Sebald to Eels to Mad Max (Fury Road) and East Croydon.”
