Enamel

It wasn't Kevin Wasmer's ambition to be a rock star. He started out?back in grade school, but still?on trumpet, French horn, baritone horn and whatever else they needed. But brass was not his true calling. Luckily, his mom was also music-minded. She led young Kevin into guitar lessons. And, well, it's true: a rock star was born. OK, if you're not from Springfield, Illinois, maybe Enamel's not a band you've heard of yet. But you will.

OK, if you're not from Springfield, Illinois, maybe Enamel's not a band you've heard of yet. But you will. You'll see them live, or you'll hear them on the radio, and something will stick. There's some alternative rock there, some aggro, some harder sounds. But beneath it all, there's a melody. Harmonies. Solid songwriting and lyrics. And?especially if you're seeing them live?a whole lotta noise for a three piece.

Over the years, Wasmer's become a recognized songwriter, won $1000 for writing a radio show theme song, gotten rave reviews for a self released Enamel CD. Opened for such nationals as Breaking Benjamin and Shinedown. Yeah, his band was good. But the lineup needed a bit of tweaking.

Enter Zack Gray (bass, vocals) and Sam Ganci (drums). As of early 2006, Enamel's new lineup was complete, and the band set about recording a new CD. Read the lyrics, the liner notes. Slip it into your player. Give in to your foot tapping, your head bobbing. Intoxicating stuff, isn't it?

? The emphasis on buying and selling CDs has fallen by the wayside,? says Kevin. ?It's now on good stage shows, with songs accessible enough for radio.? ?There's always a place for good, well-thought-out music,? continues Sam. And, well, should hope so, shouldn't we? In Enamel's case, they've got both: a killer live performance and the recorded chops to back it up.

With two of the three members having degrees in music theory, Enamel's no flash in the pan; rather, it's a trio of serious musicians with serious goals: ?When we have a song on the radio and people know our songs,? says Kevin, ?we'll know we've made it.? Pretty simple, isn't it?

Still, Enamel's sights are set beyond just music. ?The big picture's about knowing man's true place in the world,? says Kevin. ?And being the best person you can be here on earth.? Which, really, is all we want to be, right? It just takes a Midwestern three-piece to put that desire into words?and music.

Go ahead and sing along; you already know the words.

Laura Hamlett - Playback STL 2006