1. References

• Subhumans
• The Real Mckenzies

• Paul Mckenzie
• Brian Olinek
• Mike Davies
• Cam Wagner
• Randy Bowman

The Enigmas were a Canadian punk rock band formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1981. Although short-lived, the band was renowned for its live performances, showcasing a style combining influences from 1960s garage rock and Detroit's proto-punk scene. In the mid-1980s, the Enigmas released two EPs, and appear on the cult classic compilation album It Came from Canada, Vol. 1. Following their disbandment, the group occasionally reunited for reunion shows.

Paul Mckenzie (lead vocals, saxophone) and Mike Davies (lead guitar) originally came together, sharing a mutual musical interests in Vancouver's blossoming punk rock scene, when they formed the Bone-a-Partes with Brian Olinek (bass guitar), and Cam Wagner (drums) in 1981. However, when the band discovered a French garage rock act had already appropriated the name, McKenzie suggested to rename themselves the Enigmas. In March 1982, the band played their debut gig at the Smilin' Buddha with the Greasy Spoons, one of McKenzie's former groups.^[1]

During the peak of their popularity, the Enigmas were one of the most frequented attractions of Vancouver's underground. The group began to develop a blend of garage rock and Detroit proto-punk sensibilities with a repertoire that encompassed cover versions of classic 1960s garage songs by the 13th Floor Elevators, the Sonics, and the Balloon Farm among others, as well as some self-penned material.^[2][3] In concert, the Enigmas' act was highlighted by frontman McKenzie's theatrics, having adopted a similar style to Iggy Pop. Wagner left the band in May 1982, but was replaced by veteran drummer Randy Bowman, who had arrived after his former group, the Subhumans, had recently disbanded.^[1]

By late 1982, the Enigmas began a tour that extended into Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, garnering a wider following as the group performed in front of new audiences. The band self-produced a five-song EP, titled Teenage Barncle, in 1983, which included unusually high-quality production and the cult-favorite title track. More of a "learning process" than a serious project, the Enigmas were eager to record another EP, resulting in Strangely Wild in 1984, after enticing Zulu Records to produce the record. To promote the release, the Enigmas toured in Montreal the following year and appeared on the compilation album It Came from Canada, Vol. 1. However, by 1986 the group disbanded to work on other projects.^[1][4]

As early as 1987, the Enigmas reformed to conduct reunion gigs with the original recording line-up. In 1992, Mckenzie formed the successful Celtic punk band the Real Mckenzies. Again, in the 2010s the Enigmas reunited, but without Olinek who had relocated, and released a live album on DVD.^[1][5]

References

• Deception Pass
• Deception Point
• Deceptive
• Deceptive cadence
• Deceptive Records
• Decerebrate response
• De Certeau
• Deceuninck–Quick-Step
• DECGN
• De Chardin
• De Chaunac
• Dechencholing Palace
• Dechen (crater)
• Decherd, Tennessee
• Decherd, TN
• De Chezy
• Dechko Uzunov
• Dechristianization of France during the French Revolution
• Dechristianize
• Dechtere
• Dechticaetiative language
• Deci-
• Decibars
• Decibel
• Decibel (acoustics)