Enough is Joe Romersa’s debut concept album. Through lyric and melody, he explores the angst and anger in contemporary America. He probes the complexities of politics, takes a swing at religious dogma and wraps it all in a message of love. While the lyrics may be thought provoking, the music never loses sight of its primary purpose, providing entertaining escapism. Joe’s early musical influences, the Beatles, and classic 70’s rock, are evident in the overall sound on Enough. He takes things a step further though, mixing classic, guitar driven rock with an 1980’s drum beat and blending in a singer/songwriter sensibility. Enough is comfortably familiar yet brings the listener a new sound experience uniquely . 1. We Don’t Want War 3:10 With guest artist: Mariko Cello “We Don’t Want War” takes a look at the status quo of the military-industrial complex. We are faced with a mounting national debt to fund our ongoing military operations that finds us “selling soldiers by the pound.” ”We Don’t Want War” leaves the listener with the question, “Have we put profits before human life?” “We Don’t Want War” has a classic rock sound reminiscent of early Buffalo Springfield and Crosby Stills and Nash. Music and Lyrics: Joe Romersa Guitar: Joe Romersa Bass: Lou Castro Cello: Mariko Cello Drums and Percussion: Joe Romersa Lead Vocals: Joe Romersa Additional Vocals: John Davis, Solara and Mariah Young 2. Enough 4:12 With guest artist: Prescott Niles We’ve all had enough. The unapologetic pounding drums, driving guitar riffs and masterful bass are the supporting players to Romersa’s baritone voice declaring enough! A hint of classic rock, a splash of Velvet Revolver and a twist of attitude. Music and Lyrics: Joe Romersa Lead Guitar: Greg Durschlag Rhythm Guitar: Joe Romersa Bass: Prescott Niles Drums and Percussion: Joe Romersa Lead Vocals: Joe Romersa Additional Vocals: John Davis 3. Fake News 3:38 Conceived in the summer of 2016, “Fake News” is a satirical take on the flood of misinformation that penetrates our lives through social media, blogs, and the ubiquitous internet memes. While the “truth” may be elusive, accurate information should not be. Set in a smooth bluesy rock groove, “Fake News” is easy to listen to for those that like Blue Oyster Cult. Music and Lyrics: Joe Romersa Guitar: Joe Romersa Bass: Joe Romersa Drums and Percussion: Joe Romersa Lead Vocals: Joe Romersa Additional Vocals: Heather Jean Sommerhauser 4. Love is God 3:29 “Love is God” was inspired by a comment to Joe by Eden “ahbe” Ahbez of “Nature Boy” fame back in the early 1990’s. In Joe’s forthcoming book My Friend, ahbe, he explains “When trying to describe the indescribable, ahbe would turn a simple phrase like, ‘God is Love’ into ‘Love is God’ which made a big difference to me in my understanding. I’ve experienced ‘Love,’ but I have no experience of a God-like being that is all-knowing, omnipotent, almighty, or compassionate. This simple turn of phrase, Love is God makes the world a kinder gentler place. Would you go to war for Love? Music and Lyrics: Joe Romersa Lead and Rhythm Guitar: Joe Romersa Bass: Mark Tabbert Drums and Percussion: Joe Romersa Lead Vocals: Joe Romersa Additional Vocals: John Davis and Solara 5. Love, and You 3:13 With guest artist: Laurence Juber Taking a reflective look at the power of love, “Love, and You” explores and celebrates love and relationships. “Love, and You” is an acoustic ballad with classical rock sound similar to Cat Stevens and John Prine. Music and Lyrics: Joe Romersa Guitar: Laurence Juber Bass: Joe Romersa Lead Vocals: Joe Romersa Additional Vocals: Robert Pozzi and Solara 6. Give Our Money Back 5:04 With guest artist: Jeff Jourard Stepping away from sound of the rest of the tracks for a minute, “Give Our Money Back” hints of a retro West Coast punk sound à la Dead Kennedys or L.A.’s own X. The lyrics are raw in their condemnation of those in charge, promises made and broken, money needlessly spent with a sound slightly discordant yet captivating in its complexity. Music and Lyrics: Joe Romersa Lead Guitar: Jeff Jourard Rhythm Guitar: Joe Romersa Bass: Joe Romersa Drums and Percussion: Joe Romersa Lead Vocals: Joe Romersa Additional Vocals: John Davis and Solara 7. Humans Doing Angels Work 4:06 With guest artist: Prescott Niles Inspired by those that give generously to others yet go unrecognized because “prayers” were answered. Be kind to each other. Romersa’s own sound comes through with undertones of the Who’s John Entwhistle, a little bit a’ Motown and Traveling WIlburys. Music and Lyrics: Joe Romersa Lead Guitar: Prescott Niles Rhythm Guitar: Doug Hamblin Additional Guitar: Greg Durschlag Bass: Prescott Niles Drums and Percussion: Joe Romersa Keyboards: Joe Romersa Lead Vocals: Joe Romersa Additional Vocals: John Davis 8. I’m Only Dreaming 4:04 With guest artist: Mike Finnigan Seductive and soulful, I’m only Dreaming reflects on the good things in life even if they are only a dream away. The R&B inspiration is evident in this rock ballad with a sound similar to Revivalists. Music and Lyrics: Joe Romersa Lead Guitar: Greg Durschlag Rhythm Guitar: Joe Romersa Bass: Mark Tabbert Organ: Mike Finnigan Drums and Percussion: Joe Romersa Lead Vocals: Joe Romersa Additional Vocals: Solara 9. Soldier of Love 4:23 With guest artist: Prescott Niles A driving drum beat, guitar solos, and Romersa’s baritone voice growling out the lyrics will surely recruit you too as a Soldier of Love. Once again, Romersa’s musical influences converge to create a sound of his own and this one is no exception. If AC/DC and Green Day collaborated it might sound something like this... Music and Lyrics: Joe Romersa Lead Guitar: Prescott Niles Rhythm Guitar: Joe Romersa Bass: Prescott Niles Drums and Percussion: Joe Romersa Lead Vocals: Joe Romersa Additional Vocals: John Davis 10. Only Me 2:53 With guest artist: Mariko Cello Only Me bids a fond adieu to the listener. Don’t forget to tip the bartender. Music and Lyrics: Joe Romersa Guitar: Joe Romersa Bass: Joe Romersa Cello: Mariko Cello Percussion and Drums: Joe Romersa Vocals: Joe Romersa Production Credits Drums recorded live at The Greene Room, Los Angeles, CA | Engineering, Marc Greene Organ recorded live at Ultratone Studio, Los Angeles, CA | Engineering: Johnny Lee Schell Recording and Sound Engineering: Shadow Box Studio, Los Angeles, CA | Joe Romersa Additional Engineering: Fire Drop Studio, Las Vegas, NV | Sam Friend (We Don’t Want War and Only Me) Mastering: Bernie Grundman Mastering Studios, Hollywood, CA | Patricia Sullivan Second Engineer and Graphic Design: Julie M Harris