Enuf
Demo 1987

The 1980s Hardcore scene of New York, New Jersey, Long Island, and Connecticut was undoubtedly among the most prolific in the world in terms of bands that left their mark. Genre enthusiasts still treasure their copies of the incendiary records by groups like Agnostic Front, Murphy's Law, Reagan Youth, Cro-Mags, The Abused, Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today, Sick of It All, and there might even be some lucky ones who own and jealously guard the Hardcore EP titled “Pollywog Stew” by the Beastie Boys, in their pimply-kid-punk version, released just before their Rap turn. This hard and pure scene, of course, did not only produce the major acts that became sacred monsters of HC, but it also lost numerous bands along the way that lasted just a handful of concerts and one studio recording, just as happened to the Enuf, originally from New Jersey and led by Ajay James, a black singer (a rarity in the scene) capable of true animalistic live stage performances.

“Demo 1987” is therefore the only studio work of Enuf, which also included Ari Katz, later a member of the Melodic-Hardcore band Lifetime, quite famous with four albums to their credit. This EP contains 6 rather short tracks, as is normal given the genre's standards, all following the trail of the aforementioned sacred monsters. However, despite the sound being similar to that of many other East Coast HC groups, the demo does not come across as boring or superfluous to those already familiar with the style, and indeed, it is well-played with some original elements. The vocals blend well with the driving guitars while the bass and drums race forward only to slow down for good breaks.

One track is even instrumental, “Suckah Mosh,” whereas the others are strictly led by James's voice, somewhat reminiscent of H.R. of Bad Brains (rather than Roger Miret of Agnostic Front). The passion of Enuf, aside from causing havoc on stage? Skateboarding, as attested by the piece “I Just Wanna Skate,” possibly the highest point of the demo alongside “Fantasy World.” The other tracks on the record I haven't mentioned yet are “Face the Music,” “MF_Get It Done,” and “Once Too Many Times,” all of which are fast-paced, powerful, and seminal.

Aside from this “Demo 1987,” as mentioned, Enuf did not record anything else, and the band members went their separate ways. Particularly curious is the fate of frontman Ajay James, who, having left the sweaty microphones of the New Jersey Hardcore scene, took up teaching martial arts and even fighting, later becoming a bouncer in New York clubs, a soldier, and, believe it or not, even an actor (though in a minor role) in the film Transformers 3. From Hardcore to Hollywood?