It is always good to find another review for The Enemy and their fifth album, Social Disguises has certainly had plenty of reviews over the past few weeks.
Indie Is Not A Genre have given the album 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ with Cerys Ferney positive write up. IINAG review highlighted the album by saying,
"Overall, Social Disguises succeeds because it blends the trademark punchiness that the band are known for with moments of playfulness and reflection.
The album moves smoothly, from the assured drive of tracks like ‘Not Going Your Way’ to the more vibrant, exciting energy of ‘Pretty Face’, proving that the band can still write hooks that stick whilst exploring personal, hard-hitting themes."
A 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐ review from Northern Exposure Magazine writer Isobel O'Mahony as she delved into The Enemy's new album Social Disguises writing:
"The new release, Social Disguises, talks through growing up, with some interesting adages and catchy guitar. It’s a steady record and one I’m sure will bring lots of joy to live audiences."
Another review for The Enemy, but it seems that Social Disguises might not please everyone. Graeme prefers the bands earlier albums but is glad the band is back with a new album.
Today's review for The Enemy's Social Disguises album comes from The Gryphon, written by Ruby Macklin. A glowing track by track review that concluded with,
"Social Disguises (2026) is the antidote Enemy fans need to heal the longing for new music.
Whilst maintaining their roots, a range of styles are explored to prove The Enemy are evolving and moving with the times.
The result is a dominating album which takes its rightful place as my top February release.
The wait will have been worth it. Welcome back, The Enemy, take a bow."
RGM posted a review by Matt Jefferson after he listened to The Enemy Social Disguises album.
‘Controversial’, ’ Serious’, ’The Last Time’ and ‘Finish Line’ are all tracks that will no doubt cause pandemonium amongst this coming summer’s festival crowd.
"`Social Disguises` is brimming with snappy, catchy, melodious tunes with enticing hooks, riffs and harks back to the band`s debut album `We’ll Live and Die in These Towns` but with a maturity that is gained from lived life experiences."
Find out what Maximum Volume had to say about each of the tracks by visiting their website, worth a visit!
Another review for The Enemy Social Disguises album is in, and it's a five star ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ approval from Iain McClay at 3 Songs & Out Review Webzine.
"This is a brilliant album, full of catchy songs with very singable choruses and some brilliant musicianship. I honestly didn’t expect it to be this good."
This Is The Music website have reviewed The Enemy's Social Disguises album track by track and my goodness - what a glowing review! Every day we are sharing the love for the brand new album as more and more people discover how good The Enemy Social Disguises album is.
Here are some of the lines from the This Is The Music review:
"With over 90 demos to choose from the result is a record that sounds unmistakably like The Enemy — but wiser, tougher and more self-aware."
"this album isn’t about reliving former glories. It’s about reclaiming identity."
"The lyric “Hello Pretty Face, Welcome To The Rat Race” lands as a standout moment, a sharp, relatable line that proves The Enemy are still writing songs that connect directly with their fan base and reflect real-life pressures."
"This isn’t just a comeback album — it’s a statement. Social Disguises finds The Enemy rediscovering the fire that first made them essential, while sharpening it with the perspective of everything they’ve lived through since.
The choruses still hit, the riffs still bite, and the urgency that once defined them hasn’t faded — it’s evolved.
Rather than chasing past glories, they’ve built on them, delivering a record that feels raw, relevant and unapologetically real.
After more than a decade away, The Enemy haven’t just returned — they’ve reminded everyone exactly why they mattered in the first place."
It is always a pleasure to read proper reviews by people who know what they are talking about and John Martinson from At The Barrier is one of those people!
The Enemy might be below some big wig radars, but Social Disguises is certainly pleasing Indie music lovers.
"this is the album that doesn’t just start a new chapter but could write their legacy, if you give it the time and space it deserves."
"Social Disguises doesn’t mimic their earlier work but masters the efforts. These are solid, strong 11 tracks with little-to-no filler. In a scene craving authenticity, The Enemy have delivered reckoning over nostalgia."
The reviews are beginning to come in thick and fast and Traveller's Tunes have added The EnemySocial Disguises album to their list of reviews.
The review went on to say, "Social Disguises’ is a post-catharsis album. It embraces their past, both internally and the bands that inspired them and the peers they liked", giving The Enemy a glowing review as they return to form along the lines of the first album.
Reviews for The Enemy's brand new album Social Disguises are arriving in thick and fast. Music News Monthly reviewer David Weddle had some glowing words to say about the new tunes.
"You could play this album 30 years from now, and it would still be a cracking collection of tracks from a band that have really mastered their craft. It has real staying power, with any of the full length track fitting easily into any playlist."
"Social Disguises is a modern classic; it feels like a record that is packed full of energy and hidden gems."
Describing The Enemy 'Social Disguises' as "fuelled by frustration, fired up by experience", CinemaChords gave the new album 4/5 stars.
Howard Gorman's review said, "Social Disguises balances its reflective weight with drive, proving that a measure of frustration can be just as much a fuel for the song as melody or riff."
The Enemy began their UK in the seaside town of Weston Super Mare on Friday 28th September 2012, with support from Dexters and The Antics. Songs from the new album 'Streets In The Sky' featured prominently during the packed gig.
Fans have been full of praise as The Enemy returned for their first full headline tour since November 2009. Nick Golledge said, "Great set last night, every song a belter. Whole crowd were right into the new songs. Good luck for the rest of the tour hope it's as mental as it was down the front last night." While Ashley Lapham wrote, "awesome set last night boys, smashed it. Guitars sounded top notch and I was surprised that the pier turned out to be a decent venue!"
The Enemy - "It's A Race" @ Weston Super Mare (filmed by Amy Langham)
Over on Twitter, Kev Coath said the Weston Super Mare performance was the best gig he have been to. Meanwhile Haydn Lewis summed up his feelings by saying The Enemy "smashed it at Weston on Friday." In a review of the gig Rhys Buchanan described it as "punchy, aggressive and manic ..... Tom certainly knows how to stoke a crowd." It seems that The Enemy hit all the right notes with fans and the rest of the tour looks like being a winning formula for fans around the country.
The Enemy - "2 Kids" @ Weston Super Mare (filmed by Amy Langham)
It's been a busy week for The Enemy as they launched their third album 'Streets In The Sky' at two sell-out home coming gigs in Coventry. Tom, Liam and Andy have been signing copies of the album in Manchester and London before finally heading to Glasgow on Friday, while performing lively gigs at each of those cities. The midweek album chart has The Enemy at #4, as guitar music looks set to return to the UK album charts this week. Amazon have made it their album of the week and fans can now download 'Streets In The Sky' for just £3.99 for a limited time.
Reviews for 'Streets in The Sky' are coming in thick and fast, we've reprinted some of them on the website and have been constantly updating the website with news, pictures and videos of The Enemy. If you have any pictures, videos or stories we can use on the UNOFFICIAL blog or website, please contact via email.
Finally, check the latest pictures from Shirlaine Forrest taken at the Manchester gig this week......
The venue was intimate and ideal for The Enemy as they gear up for their upcoming tour dates and summer festivals. Coventry took over Borderline in London for one night only, and they did it in style! The weather outside might have been damp and wet, but inside the venue it was hot and exciting as the support band took to the stage.
Back in December, Tom Clarke had promised to offer support slots to up and coming unsigned bands and proving he is a man that keeps his word, the support slot went to The Kontours - a young Coventry band who have been going for a couple of years and have already built themselves a glowing reputation. With confidence in their songs, Ollie, Kiera and Jack took to the stage and quickly won over the London crowd with their stage presence. The Kontours even performed a new song, proving they have nerves of steel and determination to make good music. Let's hope they get spotted and signed up soon .......
The venue was sold out with The Enemy apparently selling their Borderline tickets in record time and the crowd were up for a good night. The Enemy and the crowd lived up to expectations, making sure security never had a dull moment as the gig kicked into action. As the lads ripped through Aggro and Had Enough, the energy was too much for the power system and Liam Watts had to fill the gap with a drum solo until power was restored. Tom, Andy and Liam wasted no time in tearing it up as they banged out Away From Here and Gimme The Sign - to the delight of the crowd.
Tom's white Fila top might need dry cleaning after the gig as everything gets lager stained during The Enemy gig but how can you stop hundreds of people jumping up and down to This Song and No Time For Tears? The band setlist included another four new tracks - Saturday, This Is Real, Bigger Cages and 1-2-3-4 Ready To Go. Familiar favourites were not forgotten and Tom took great delight in handing the singing over to the audience during We'll Live And Die In These Towns and You're Not Alone.
Keyboard player, Tom Boddy was not forgotten and Tom dedicated Be Somebody to him - asking the crowd to change the words to Be Tom Boddy. From the fast paced songs to the slowed down Happy Birthday Jane, The Enemy proved once again why they are a must-see live band. They deliver the goods again and again, something which is evident in the faces of the audience and also beaming from the faces of Tom, Andy and Liam. My camera wasn't allowed into the venue, but I'm glad I had the night off to just enjoy singing along and watching the band perform. It reminded me of why I go to the gigs - there is nothing like watching live music.
The Enemy are back on top of their game and with the new album just weeks away from release, any gig featuring The Enemy will be worthy of attendance. The new sounds blend in perfectly with the anthems from the first album and the best of the second album. UK festivals had better watch out because The Enemy are in town!
The local newspaper published this article about what the fans thought of The Enemy's comeback gig at S7ven in Coventry. Warren Manger who was at the gig and wrote the story, has championed the music scene in Coventry for a long time. His review of The Enemy at S7ven is also reproduced below (read The Music Abyss for more from Coventry's music scene)
COVENTRY kids The Enemy stepped back onto the stage to treat hundreds of fans to a compelling comeback show.
A capacity crowd packed bar S7ven at the old city fire station for the momentous show, which saw The Enemy debut five tracks from their eagerly-awaited third album.
Meanwhile, an estimated 30,000 fans tuned in online to watch the gig – which was recorded for the band’s new music video, Gimme The Sign.
They were treated to a host of classic Enemy tracks, plus five new tracks from their third album, due later this year.
After the show on Thursday night, many fans took to Twitter hailing it a huge success.
Rob McArdle, from The Enemy unofficial blog, said: “The crowd went wild – lots of crowd surfing and new tunes are mint.
“The band ripped it up, the place was exploding with energy.”
The Enemy announced the intimate gig online three weeks ago.
Tickets went on sale immediately and sold out in seconds.
Fans began queuing outside the venue long before the doors opened at 8pm to secure a spot at the front and get their faces on the video.
During the show they were treated to a sneak peak at five new tracks including This Is Real, Saturday and Bigger Cages, Longer Chains.
After the gig The Enemy frontman Tom Clarke tweeted: “Thank you to everyone at the video shoot.
“Amazing, you lot made it epic! Can’t praise you enough.”
The comeback gig prompted such excitement The Sun’s showbiz editor Gordon Smart even sought some relief from the scandal that has engulfed the newspaper by heading to Coventry to see the show.
He saw the band – Clarke, bassist Andy Hopkins and drummer Liam Watts – produce arguably their most thrilling show since their Godiva Festival slot in 2007.
After the gig, he tweeted: “Fair play to Tom, Andy and Liam. Rock’n’roll spirit is alive and well in Coventry tonight.”
The gig was hosted by the Panic rock and roll club night at S7ven.
It was organised by promoter John Dawkins, who also works with and is a close friend of the band.
It is the second big name he has attracted to the venue in a week.
Last Friday, Reverend & The Makers played an intimate set there to warm up for their slot supporting Noel Gallagher on his solo arena tour.
Coventry music historian Pete Chambers tweeted: “The Enemy are back, they nailed it tonight.
“Made me proud to be from Cov all over again, thanks to Dawks.”
THERE is something special in the air as the crowd at S7ven in Coventry wait for The Enemy to take to the stage for their big comeback.
It evokes memories of the trio's famous slot at the Godiva Festival in 2007.
On that occasion both the band and their fans knew they were celebrating the dawn of a new era, with their debut album We'll Live And Die In These Towns set to enter the charts at number one the next evening.
Tonight is all about rebirth.
Second album Music For The People featured some stunning highlights but failed to capture the public's imagination in the same way as their first.
So the band went away and regrouped, enlisting the help of punk rocker Joby Ford to reinvigorate their music and capture their live sound on record.
(Ford's influence is acknowledged tonight by bassist Andy Hopkins, who wears a t-shirt promoting his band The Bronx).
The crowd sense they are about to be treated to a momentous occasion.
They are the privileged few hundred who happened to be online at the moment the show was announced and tickets immediately went on sale.
Thousands more only heard about the intimate comeback gig after it had sold out.
Promoter John Dawkins - a close confident of the band and organiser of Panic, the rock and roll night at S7ven which is hosting their comeback - is quick to remind them of that.
"There are 30,000 people watching this online," he says, goading the crowd to go wild for the cameras.
"We're the lucky ones."
This gig may be designed to debut new material, but The Enemy are seasoned enough to know they need to lay the groundwork first.
Entering to the familiar refrain of Too Much, Too Young the band launch straight into the unbridled antagonism of Aggro before merging seamlessly into the hit singles Had Enough and Away From Here.
By the time they have ripped through that titanic trilogy the crowd are whipped into enough of a frenzy for the band to reel out Gimme The Sign - the new single for which they are filming the video.
More new tracks follow - the full throttle Bigger Cages, Longer Chains, the yearning This Is Real (already released as a demo), Saturday and 1234 Ready To Go.
These are interspersed with established favourites such as This Song Is About You, No Time For Tears and Happy Birthday Jane.
Frontman Tom Clarke has previously promised the new tracks are the most muscular the band have penned to date - a welcome return to their hard rocking roots.
On this evidence he was not exaggerating.
These new tracks - fuelled by the same spirit of rebellion that inspired their earlier highlights - are uncompromising to say the least.
In light of Clarke's recent comments on the state of the charts you might easily brand them a rallying cry for rock and roll - even a declaration of war against the insipid singles of polished pop that currently dominate the airwaves.
Lighters aloft sing-a-long We'll Live And Die In These Towns was always one of The Enemy's more measured moments.
Now, nestled alongside their breakneck new material, it seems positively slow and sentimental.
This draws a wry joke from Clarke as the acoustic guitar kicks in.
"Right, now we're gonna play you some James Blunt," he quips, before swiftly assuring the crowd this is not the case.
In The Enemy camp the sense of excitement surrounding their third album is reaching fever pitch. (Dawkins in particular is emphatic when describing how far superior it is to their previous work).
However, the band inevitably return to perennial favourite You're Not Alone to close the set.
It is more than just their standard, it is the very embodiment of their shared identity with every other frustrated Coventrian who still mourns the decline of this great city.
As such it will always mean more to those fervent fans going doolally on the dancefloor at S7ven than it will to crowds in any other city.
By the time the song reaches its climax the venue is bouncing so violently it seems the city walls visible from the window - which have stood for 700 years - could come crashing down under the force of the shockwaves.
It ends the gig on a fitting high and sees bassist Hopkins swept out into the crowd to surf across a sea of bodies before returning to the stage, carried aloft like a scene from Danny The Champion of the World.
As the band reluctantly leave the stage Clarke turns to the crowd, raises his beer bottle in silent salute and mouths the words, "We Love You Coventry."
The success of their first two albums has taken the Enemy around the world, bringing them fame and fortune.
However, their ferociously intense bond with the city remains undiminished.
You get the feeling the notion of living and dying in their hometown no longer carries the sense of dread and frustration that it did five years ago.
All that matters right now is that they enjoy the journey.
And on the evidence of this compelling comeback the boys are clearly having the time of their lives - as are they hundreds of fans they are taking along for the ride.
Here is a review by James Watkins for the Shropshire Star from their recent gig at Birmingham's O2 Academy.
Indie/punk rockers The Enemy, returned to Birmingham for the third time this year on their latest stop from the Music For The People tour.
Coventry’s finest had previously played the old Academy in Dale End on two sold out dates back in April, but returned to raise the roof on the shiny new Academy in Bristol Street.
Opening with Aggro and Had Enough, frontman Tom Clarke lifted the predominantly young crowd into a mass of moshing and crowd-surfing that only the Enemy seem to capable of inspiring.
Whether it was the thought of playing a home soil gig or the realisation that the fans were in a boundlessly energetic mood, the Enemy produced a classic set list that endeared them to the partisan crowd.
Playing all their hits including Away From Here and This Song Is About You, the crowd were lifted into full song throughout the night.
Offering a much more punky sound with It’s Not OK and Elephant Song, Clarke and co. descended into a rip-snorting cover of the Jam’s classic song In The City.
After an hour of showcasing their ability to thrash out tunes ten times harder than on record, Happy Birthday Jane and Not Alone ended the set to audacious applause. No doubt the Enemy will be back with a third album next year and another sold out date in the Midlands.
Here is the review of The Enemy's Portsmouth gig, as seen in the Southern Daily Echo:
FRESH from supporting Oasis this summer, The Enemy swaggered onto the stage of a packed Portsmouth Guildhall with the atmosphere more akin to that of a football match.
The Coventry three-piece made up of Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts, kicked off with high energy tracks Aggro and Had Enough, which had the crowd dancing and singing.
Fans may be surprised to learn that the setlist is heavily weighted with songs from their platinum-selling first album, We’ll Live And Die In These Towns, although they belted out the latest tunes Be Somebody, No Time For Tears and Sing When You’re In Love.
After just 35 minutes the boys left the stage but returned for an encore almost as long as their set, performing tracks including It’s Not Ok and Happy Birthday Jane.
And it looked like they were enjoying the gig as much as the crowd when Andy Hopkins returned to his crowd-surfing ways before their final song of You’re Not Alone.
