Photo Credit: Bridie Main
Words: Abi Hawes

The Enemy are set to release their new album ‘Social Disguises‘ on the 20th of February 2026. The Coventry based band have released four albums so far, making this their fifth, the first since their return. After having a decade away from the studio, the band have returned with this album- a record that is both nostalgic and new. After selling out on their tour last year, the band will follow the release of their album with another nationwide tour.

The Enemy released ‘We’ll Live and Die in These Towns‘ in 2007 which rocketed straight to number 1 in the UK album charts. This was followed by their second album ‘Music for the People‘ in 2008 which reached number 2 in the charts. If there is any justice, this one will perform in the same way even through todays musical landscape has changed.

The band have already set the tone for the new album by releasing three singles already, giving a taster for what is to come. This includes the first two songs on the album, ‘The Boxer‘, ‘Not Going Your Way‘ and their fourth track ‘Trouble‘. The bands regular sound is evident, bringing a familiarity to their indie rock sound.  This album is just as good as their others, with catchy riffs and lyrics. Upon listening to ‘Not Going Your Way‘, it becomes clear that the song has the potential to be a crowd sing along. With energetic guitars, fresh vocals and a driving rhythm, the song shows how the band are making a strong comeback. Furthermore, their single ‘Trouble‘ has catchy lyrics that are sure to get stuck in your head in the best way, it has been on replay for me. The punchy guitars and energetic feel to this song about generational struggle stand out. These songs thrive on classic indie rock dynamics, introducing the rest of the album perfectly.

Arguably, this album has been one of the most anticipated comebacks of the year after the band reunited last year. Fans of their earlier hits such as ‘Away From Here‘ and ‘We’ll Live and Die in These Towns‘ will find a sense of similarity within the new tunes.  The songs include brilliant riffs, and catchy lyrics whilst including sing-along choruses. Even after their hiatus, the band are maintaining their brilliance.

Songs such as ‘Controversial‘ has catchy lyrics, which reflects the original sound of the band. With ‘Interference‘ being only a short track, the skill of the band is evident, while emphasising a key message that they seem to be trying to convey with their songs about ‘fitting in’. This links to both the album name and the song ‘Social Disguises‘ which seems to be a metaphor for identities and being who you are without apologising. The band show both their musical and lyrical skill within these songs, executing the album very well.

Going into the track ‘Pretty Face‘, the pace speeds up, the lyrics being repetitive but significant, emphasising the rockier side to the band. This track further links to the underlying message the band are trying to implement with this album, which can be seen as both skilful and shows how talented The Enemy are. Alongside this, ‘Serious‘ continues this sense, with not just Tom Clarke’s incredible voice, but also the layers of musical talent behind the tunes. For instance, the rich sound of the guitar and the sound of the drums bring the songs alive.

The record gives clear evidence that the band still have talent while making their songs meaningful and catchy, while showing that they still have something to say with their music. 

The closing tracks ‘Innocent‘ almost forces you to nod your head. After all these brilliant tunes, the album closes with ‘Finish Live‘, a personal favourite, that has a distinguished guitar that creates a clear foundation for the lyrics. The drums also come into this track in a perfect way. This is a great way to close a phenomenal new album, making it well worth the wait.