Enuff Z’nuff was always a tough band to classify. Their music is filled with power pop hooks and Beatle-esq harmonies, but timing and early image placed them at the end of the hair metal boom. The band went through countless lineup changes, but founding bassist Chip Z’nuff took over the vocal spot and has kept the band going strong. Enuff Z’Nuff is always on the road, and while they prepare to release their 21st record, the band made a stop in Hamden, CT.
Please scroll below for the MisplacedStraws Enuff Z’Nuff live photos and review –
The night began with music from two regional bands. Cover band Vengence started the night, followed by original rockers Lone Wolf James. Direct tour support came from Band, Inc. They are fronted by singer/bassist Giuliana Lucia Amaral who possesses an incredibly strong voice. Unfortunately, their set was fairly brief but did allow for a feel of the type of metal that we can expect from this up-and-coming band. LA’s Permacrush was also listed as support but was unable to play.
With no introduction, Enuff Z’nuff took the stage with “The World Is A Gutter” from their 1991 record Strength, in my opinion, that record is a classic and one of the best of the era. Chip Z’Nuff took over vocals full time with the departures of original vocalist Donnie Vie and one-time vocalist and guitarist Johnny Monaco. Chip is the perfect choice for these songs as his vocal tone and delivery is very similar to Vie so the songs sound amazing.
Not surprisingly, the majority of the set was focused on the first two releases, the most commercially successful time of the band. The MTV hits like “Fly High Michelle” and “New Thing” got the crowd going while deep cuts like “Baby Loves You” and “In The Groove” show that in the late 80s, this band was so much more than what their image projected. Chip and Donne wrote amazing songs that stand the test of time and don’t sound dated in the least.
The Beatles are a clear influence on Chip and the band. Enuff Z’nuff released a record of Beatles covers back in 2021 called Hardrock Nite which they touched upon throughout the set. McCartney tracks “Jet” and “Live and Let Die” were played, as well as the set closing “With A Little Help From My Friends”.
For a band like Enuff Z’nuff, keeping a steady lineup together is tough. They are not a million selling, arena headlining band, so members tend to come and go. The current lineup assembled by Chip Z’Nuff could be the most talented and cohesive in many years. With Chip on bass and guitarists Jason Camino and Luis Kalil, the songs sound full and powerful. The track “Heavy Metal” from the upcoming Xtra Cherries record was played and shows that Chip’s writing and the band’s sound is just as good as ever.
The only downside of the night would be the venue itself. While clubs aren’t known for great lighting, each band was in almost darkness. Unless a band member was in the middle of the stage they weren’t lit at all, which not only makes photos tough, but keeps you from really seeing each member as they play.
It may be easy to write an “80s band” like Enuff Z’Nuff off as just being a product of their era. However, listening to not just those first few records, but some of the later work as well shows that this is a band that understands the most important thing in music is the song, and Enuff Z’Nuff has built a career on well-crafted songs, amazing harmonies, and killer musicianship.
