Quiz time: What do you get when you combine Baltimore’s Princess of Pop with Annapolis’s
finest roots-rock trio? If you answered an unforgettable night celebrating the release of Enslow’s
sophomore album, CRUSH, followed by an equally impressive performance by Pressing Strings,
you would be correct.

On October 24 th, 2025, an animated crowd gathered outside Towson, Maryland’s most iconic
music venue, the Recher, to enjoy a night of danceable grooves, thought-provoking lyricism, and
stellar musicianship. Although Enslow and Pressing Strings occupy separate genres, their
musical roots are irrevocably entwined. Both groups are given frequent airtime on WTMD,
Baltimore’s premier radio station, and have each performed at First Thursday Music Festivals
(Enslow in 2024 and Pressing Strings in 2022). This shared history has created a communal and
enthusiastic fan base, one that pays homage to Baltimore’s sonic multiplicity.

Enslow kicked off the night’s performances with her hit “Dangerous”, a 70s-inspired bop from
her debut album Hello. The song’s catchy lyrics and disco beats invigorated the crowd, as did her
contagiously joyful stage presence and effortless choreography. Adorned in full glam and a
shimmery Roaring Twenties-inspired frock, her status as an up-and-coming pop star was
undeniable.

Enslow followed up her performance of “Dangerous” with “Boy Bye,” a cheeky, yet deliberate
song about letting go of a former romantic flame. She proceeded to play “I Love You,” the fifth
track on her new album CRUSH (released Aug. 15, 2025). The track, which features an easy-
going drumbeat, melodic guitar riffs, and danceable melody, not only showcased Enslow’s
controlled, yet powerful vocals, but also her willingness to be vulnerable. The song’s declarative
title bypasses the embarrassment of infatuation and instead celebrates the blissful and all-
consuming feeling that arrives when we’re crushing on someone new.

Enslow performed several other songs from her new album, including “Dirty Work,” “Lonely,”
“Dizzy,” and “Cowboy Like Me.” She also performed a stunning rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s
“Little Lies,” which paid homage to the late great Cristine McVie, and demonstrated Enslow’s
wide range of musical abilities. She concluded her album release party with “Underwater,” the
opening track of CRUSH, much to the delight of adoring fans.

After a short intermission, Jordan Sokel (guitar and harmonica), Justin Kruger (drums and
percussion), and Nick Welker (bass guitar) of Pressing Strings took the stage. The trio began
their set with “Bits of Belief,” a song that is as equally groovy as it is poignant. Sokel
contemplates the desire—or perhaps even more so, the possibility—for individual identity, in a
world that is fraught with hardship. Many of Pressing String’s songs, including “We Will Be
Alright,” “Back Where I Started,” and “Same Team,” all of which Sokel and his bandmates
played at the Recher, touch upon thematically similar subjects: we’re all trying to live life on
life’s terms, even when factors are working against us.

With songs that pull at the heartstrings and make you want to dance, it’s not surprising that
Pressing Strings is receiving national recognition. Earlier this year, the band embarked on a US
tour, which included a trip to Colorado (where I currently live!) and an exceptional feature on
WNCW’s Studio B, one of North Carolina’s most well-known radio stations. In the face of their
newfound fame, Sokel and his bandmates have not forgotten where they come from; about
halfway through their set, they stopped to make a toast to WTMD, and specifically to Tyler
LaPort, for supporting their band since the beginning.

The second portion of Pressing Strings set began with a cover of “Badge” by Cream, a tried and
true classic that paid homage to the band’s blues-rock roots and set the bar for the rest of the
show. Other notable moments from the show included frequent, thoroughly celebrated harmonica
solos from Sokel, and a contagiously excited Towson University student, who proclaimed, “This
is my new favorite band!!” The evening’s festivities concluded with a two-song encore featuring
Going to California” and Answer for Me,” both of which were met with an abundance of cheers
and handclaps.

While Enslow and Pressing Strings initially seemed like an unlikely pairing, the joint crowd and
their communal enthusiasm served as a reminder that good music can transcend audience
demographics. Luckily, Baltimore is home to some great musicians. I’m sure we’ll gather to
celebrate more of our city’s amazing bands soon.

The setlists included:

Enslow:
Dangerous 
Boy Bye
I Love You 
Brandy 
Moon Beam 
How You Do It 
Feels Like I’m Falling in Love
Dirty Work 
Pity Party 
Lonely 
Little Lies 
Dizzy 
Cowboy like Me 
Underwater 

Pressing Strings: 
Bit of Belief 
Down for You
Angry Birds 
Butter
Blood to Me
Your Love 
No One Else 
We Will Be Alright 
Back Where I Started 
Ready to go 
Same Team 
Badge 
Petrol Gold 
Most of Us 
Time Don’t Wait 
Minutes 
The Wheel 
Encore: 
Going to California 
Answer for Me

Check out more photos of Enslow performing at The Recher on October 24, 2025. All photos are copyright Cary Evan:

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And here are more photos of Pressing Strings at The Recher:

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