If you're not from Springfield, Illinois, Enamel may not be a band you've heard of...yet. But you will. You'll see them live, or hear them on the radio, or a friend will loan you a CD, and something-unshakable, unforgettable-will stick. Break it apart, try to find its root: there's alternative rock, rhythm, progression, harder sounds. But beneath it all, there's a melody. Harmonies. Solid songwriting. Intelligent lyrics. A unifying theme. And—especially if you're seeing them live—a whole lotta noise for a three piece.

The current roster—Kevin Wasmer (vocals, guitars, synth), Zack Gray (bass, vocals) and Sam Ganci (drums, piano)—came together in time to collaboratively craft Stray This Way, the band's second album. Prior to Zack and Sam, Enamel frontman and founder Kevin had some tough decisions to make. "We had the best of intentions," he says of the original players, "but in the end everyone's heart wasn't in the same place. Through fate or luck or whatever you wanna call it, I eventually shed the entire lineup and teamed up with Sam and Zack."

The arrangement has already proven quite profitable, as Stray This Way represents tangible proof of the trio's cohesion and creativity. The 11 songs-all written, produced, mixed and mastered by Enamel-are inspired by searching for, and losing, love, whether romantic or platonic. "To me," says Kevin, "'Stray This Way' can be a threat or an invitation. There's always the danger of getting completely annihilated when you get into a relationship, but there's also the chance of finding the one."

Similarly, with every new CD you pick up or show you attend, there's always the chance of a spark, of finding the band or the album or the song that will change your life: brighten your mood, inspire your passion, rock your world. Enamel's Stray This Way has the potential to connect with listeners in a way few CDs do, on a number of levels, a connection that is only heightened by the band's sizzling live show.

"There's no ego in this group," claims Kevin, "only a rabid desire to make the songs great and the tracks greater." With Stray This Way, Enamel has sunk its teeth in and shows no signs of letting go.

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