Emerging from the rugged shores of Portsmouth, England, Saint Enemy is a band built not just on sound, but on years of camaraderie and creative synergy. Far from being just another new act, this trio stands as a musical fraternity, a collective shaped by deep-rooted friendship, countless performances, and a common artistic vision. The group features Lee Brooks on vocals and guitar, Rob Pegg handling drums, and Piotr Daniel anchoring the bass. Their tale is one of growth, determination, and an unshakable dedication to honest expression. Lee and Rob’s journey began more than 16 years ago while studying music in college. Their bond was immediate, laying the groundwork for their musical partnership. They went on to form the ska/indie band Subsetters, active from 2013 to 2022, touring extensively throughout the UK and sharing the stage with many renowned acts. Subsetters served as the training ground where their instincts were sharpened, their live presence matured, and their friendship solidified through shared musical milestones.
However, like many artists, the global pandemic forced a pause, offering a moment for introspection. As Subsetters entered a hiatus, Lee and Rob recognized an opening to redefine themselves, to build something reflective of their evolution both personally and musically. With the addition of longtime friend and skilled bassist Piotr Daniel, the formation of Saint Enemy marked a fresh chapter. It wasn’t just a continuation but a complete rebirth. What distinguishes Saint Enemy is their egalitarian approach to songwriting. Every band member contributes, resulting in music that captures a spectrum of experiences, tastes, and perspectives. Their sound blends influence from some of their musical heroes: the emotional depth of Incubus, the raw energy of Foo Fighters, the anthemic edge of Oasis, the atmospheric textures of Angels & Airwaves, and the inventive spirit of artists like Jack White and The Killers. Rather than confine themselves to a specific genre, they weave a tapestry of sounds driven by brotherhood, experimentation, and emotional clarity.
On June 6th, 2025, Saint Enemy released their compelling debut single, Hold Me Like a Grudge, a track that instantly announces their arrival with grit and elegance. Inspired by personal emotions and life experiences, the song explores the intensity of enduring love, the desperate need to be remembered, and the paradox of clinging to someone as fiercely as one might hold onto a grudge. It’s a bold, introspective piece that invites listeners to reconsider the complexities of love, the persistence of memory, and how deeply human connections can both heal and hurt. Shaped by the sonic influence of Incubus, Foo Fighters, and Oasis, and recorded at the atmospheric Old Chapel Studios in West Sussex with trusted collaborator Paul Burton, Hold Me Like a Grudge is an emotionally charged and finely crafted work. It’s more than just a debut, it’s a declaration, a powerful reentry into the musical world from artists who have spent years refining their craft.
From its very first note, Hold Me Like a Grudge signals that Saint Enemy is here to disrupt expectations. The track opens with a forceful presence, winding in with a taut rhythm that brims with intention and tension. It unfolds like a figure emerging from shadow, backed by a beat that is sharp, precise, and steady. This deliberate introduction gives the song a bold confidence, one that evokes the image of walking alone through a dimly lit alley, where danger and allure mingle. The groove quickly takes hold, a compelling fusion of post-punk sharpness and sleek modern rock-funk energy. Rather than rushing in with overwhelming force, the track establishes a dark and magnetic foundation, inviting each musical layer to unfold with cinematic precision. This restrained yet smoldering start sets the tone for a song that demands attention without ever having to shout.
As the song develops, its layers deepen and evolve. The transitions between tension and release are expertly executed, keeping the listener in a state of anticipation. Guitars creep in with a confident swagger, their distorted tones curling around the rhythmic backbone like subtle threats. When the bass joins, it brings a thick, rolling undercurrent that pulses with life. There’s an undeniable punk-funk charisma running through the composition, echoing the rebellious spirit of classic rock while feeling entirely contemporary. Each verse simmers with slow-building energy, drawing listeners closer with every line. Rather than explode into a predictable chorus, the track surprises by shifting into a rhythmic sway. The chorus moves with poise rather than brute force, choosing finesse over fury. This choice to subvert expectation adds depth to the composition, making it both surprising and satisfying.
Vocally, the performance is laced with intrigue and control. The entry is almost whispered, soft yet compelling, with a tone that hints at vulnerability while asserting quiet strength. The vocal lines are carefully measured, each phrase delivered not just to be heard, but to resonate deeply. A line like “Hold me like a grudge” doesn’t just fall into the mix, it cuts into the heart of the narrative, anchoring the emotional core of the track. The performance is a blend of passion and restraint, merging longing, frustration, and irony with an intimate sense of awareness. Even as the instrumentation builds, the vocals maintain a calm, steady presence, remaining emotionally grounded amid the storm. This balance of distance and closeness creates a captivating tension, pulling the listener further into the emotional landscape.
Musically, the arrangement is tight, layered, and purposefully understated. The drums are crisp and commanding, forming the rhythmic skeleton around which the rest of the instrumentation revolves. The guitars alternate between sharp, percussive strikes and flowing ambient chords, crafting a rich sonic texture that shifts between the tangible and the ethereal. The bass continues to play a central role, not just reinforcing rhythm, but influencing the emotional tone of each transition.
The production is intentionally minimal, allowing each sound room to breathe while never feeling thin or incomplete. Synths and subtle effects drift through the mix like ghosts, adding dimension without overwhelming the organic feel of the track. The result is a haunting yet polished soundscape, like a whispered secret in a dimly lit room, enigmatic, refined, and deeply affecting.
What makes Hold Me Like a Grudge resonate so strongly is not just the sum of its parts, but the way they interact. The vocals and instruments do more than accompany each other, they engage in a conversation. At times the rhythm pulls the vocals into its flow, other times the vocals steer the mood, guiding the instrumental backdrop into unexplored emotional territory. This ongoing interplay results in a narrative that is alive and dynamic, filled with emotional peaks and valleys. The track feels like a dialogue between pain and passion, a confrontation dressed in melody. Each section builds on the one before it, never stagnant, always evolving. What emerges is not just a song but a living, breathing atmosphere, one that you don’t just listen to, but feel.
Listening to Hold Me Like a Grudge is an immersive experience. From the opening beat to the fading silence, it draws the listener into a carefully crafted world of tension and emotion. It doesn’t merely play in the background, it shapes the space around you. There’s a visual quality to the sound, like the score to a dramatic moment unfolding in slow motion. It compels movement, but not mindless dancing, intentional motion, born of feeling. The groove sinks into your skin, while the message stays etched in your thoughts. It is both catharsis and confrontation, reflection and rhythm. As the track fades, it leaves behind a lingering sense of satisfaction, the kind that follows emotional release. With this debut, Saint Enemy has offered more than a track. They have created an atmosphere, a visceral mood, a moment suspended in time that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
