ERRORS-LEASE OF LIFE.

dereksmusicblog ♦ March 27, 2015 ♦ Leave a comment

ERRORS-LEASE OF LIFE.

Errors have come a long way since they were formed in Glasgow, in 2004, by Simon Ward, Greg Paterson and Stephen Livingstone. Back then, Errors’ makeshift studio was a bedroom. That was the Glasgow based musical alchemists laboratory. Through experimentation and innovation, Errors sound began to evolve. A years later, in 2005, Errors were signed to Mogwai’s Rock Action Records. 

That’s been their home for the past ten years. Indeed, it was on Rock Action Records that Errors recently released their fifth album Lease Of Life. It shows a band that have come a long way since their debut single Hans Herman in 2005.

Having signed to Rock Action Records in 2005, Errors released their debut single Hans Herman. It was released as a limited edition single. Soon, the single sold out. Copies are now a prized item among record collectors. The future looked good for Errors.

The following years, Errors returned with their  first E.P. How Clean Is Your Acid House? E.P. Released in 2006, How Clean Is Your Acid House? E.P. was well received. It proved the springboard for Errors’ career. 

Not long after the release of How Clean Is Your Acid House? three became four, when drummer James Hamilton was recruited. He was part of Errors’ lineup when they headed out on tour with Underworld. For a group formed just three years earlier, Errors had come a long way.

Its Not Something But It Is Like Whatever.

Touring with  Errors’ meant their music was heard by a much wider audience. The audiences were receptive to Errors music. So, it made sense for Errors to begin work on their debut album, It’s Not Something But It Is Like Whatever.

Recording of It’s Not Something But It Is Like Whatever took place at Mogwai’s Castle Of Doom studios, in Glasgow. That’s where Errors recorded the ten tracks that became their debut album, It’s Not Something But It Is Like Whatever.

When It’s Not Something But It Is Like Whatever was released in June 2008, it was well received by critics. Great things were forecast for Errors, who some critics  compared to American experimental rock group, Battles. Errors knew they were doing something right, so set out on the road with a spring in their step.

Just like any band who had just released their debut album, Errors set off on a gruelling touring schedule. Through the rest of 2008, Errors toured with Mogwai, 

Forward Russia and 65daysofstatic. Although it was a gruelling schedule, Errors, mentored by Mogwai, learnt a lot from their 2008 tour. When they returned, they were a stronger and better band. This became apparent when Errors set off on tour again in 2009.

For part of 2009, Errors spent months touring Europe. Again they toured with Mogwai, and Danish electro-rock band Whomadewho. Errors also made an appearance at the Eurosonic Festival. All this constant touring paid off. Errors music was being heard by a much wider audience, and they were maturing as a band. Now was the time to release their sophomore album.

Come Down With Me.

For their sophomore album, Come Down With Me which is a play on the title of a British television program, Errors took control. They wrote, recorded and produced the ten tracks that became Come Down With Me. Errors were even responsible for the artwork. So when Come Down With Me was released, it was very much Errors’ musical baby.

Come Down With Me was released on 29th March 2010. When critics heard Come Down With Me, they were won over by the music on Errors’ sophomore album. Plaudits and praise accompanied the release of Come Down With Me. However, Errors didn’t have time to enjoy the plaudits.

No. Errors had to tour Come Down With Me. Through the spring and summer of 2010, Errors toured Come Down With Me. Just like with It’s Not Something But It Is Like Whatever it was a gruelling schedule. However, it was worth it. Errors’ star was in the ascendancy, as they played bigger venues. Then in October 2010, Errors and Twilight Sad headed out on tour, where they shared top billing. By then, Errors had another album to promote.

Celebrity Come Down With Me’.

To coincide with the tour, Errors released a remix album entitled Celebrity Come Down With Me. It saw everyone from Mogwai, Wax Stag and Gold Panda remix tracks from Come Down With Me. So, as Errors toured, Celebrity Come Down With Me provided an alternative soundtrack to their latest tour which took them through until the end of 2010.

As 2011 dawned, Errors found themselves invited to the prestigious South by Southwest, in Austin, Texas. For Errors, all their hard work was paying off. Then in April and May of 2011, Errors toured North America. Sadly, as 2011 drew to a close, it was the end of era for Errors. Founding member Greg Paterson left Errors. Some critics wondered what the future held for Errors?

Have Some Faith in Magic.

The loss of Greg Paterson could’ve proved fatal to some bands. Not Errors. Now reduced to a trio, they seemed to come back stronger. It was as if they were desperate to prove their doubters wrong. 

Errors headed into the studio to record their third studio album, Have Some Faith in Magic. It featured nine tracks penned and produced by Errors. Once Have Some Faith in Magic was completed, it became the first of two albums Errors released during 2012.

Have Some Faith in Magic was the album everyone knew Errors was capable of. It was the highlight of their eight year career. When the critics heard Have Some Faith in Magic, they agreed. Despite the loss of Greg Paterson, Have Some Faith in Magic, they agreed. Despite the loss of Greg Paterson was released to widespread critical acclaim. Errors had just released the album that would transform their career. However, Errors would release another album during 2012.

Relics.

Later in 2012, Errors decided to release a mini-album, Relics. It was an eight-track mini album with a twist. Rather than release Relics on CD or vinyl, Errors released Relics on two Relics’ of music’s past, cassette and VHS cassette. Despite this unusual choice of medium, Relics was well received, and ensured that Errors remained hot property. So, they headed out on tour.

During the remainder of 2012, Errors were on tour. They piled up the Airmiles touring Britain, Europe and America. By the end of this exhaustive tour, Errors were ready for a break.

After releasing two albums and touring three continents, Errors took a sabbatical for much of 2013. Then at Glasgow’s legendary Barrowlands Ballroom, Errors became the comeback kings. The three members of Errors were joined by former bandmate Greg Paterson. At this secret show, Errors rolled back the years during their only concert of 2013. However, they more than made up for it during 2014.

After a year of taking things easy, Errors got back to work. They embarked upon their first tour of Japan. However, Errors weren’t the headliners. No. Chvrches were the headline act. This didn’t matter, as the two Glaswegian bands took Japan by storm. Once the tour was over, Errors returned home to begin work on their fifth album Lease Of Life.

Lease Of Life.

Lease Of Life was written and recorded by Errors after they returned from their Japanese tour. Rather than record Lease Of Life in Glasgow, Errors headed to the beautiful island of Jura. Other parts of Lease Of Life were recorded in Errors’ home studio. Joining them, were a few familiar faces.

Having written the nine tracks that would become Lease Of Life, Errors got to work. Simon Ward and Stephen Livingston played guitars, keys and took care of programming. Drummer James Hamilton provided Lease Of Life’s heartbeat. Joining Errors were a number of guest artist. This included Bek Olivia. She wrote lyrics to Putman Caraibe and added the vocal. Cecila Stamp added vocals on Slow Rotor and Dull Care. The Glad Community Choir added vocals on the thirteen minute epic, Through The Knowledge Of Those Who Observe Us. Hannah Dent played saxophone on Genuflection and Through The Knowledge Of Those Who Observe Us. Once all these parts were completed, Lease Of Life was ready for release.

Nearly three years after the release of Have Some Faith in Magic, Errors released Lease Of Life on 23rd March 2015. Just like their previous album, Lease Of Life was released to critical acclaim. They might have been away from the studio for nearly three years, but Errors were back with another critically acclaimed album, Lease Of Life which I’ll tell you about.

Opening Lease Of Life is Colossal Estates. Washes of ethereal synths cascade. They’re joined by a probing bass synth. It provides the heartbeat to this cinematic soundscape. That’s until thunderous drums take centre-stage. This combination works. Seamlessly, everything falls into place, and an ethereal, cinematic anthem unfolds.

Lease Of Life is an enigmatic track. At the start, it doesn’t sound like a song recorded in 2014. Instead, the synths sound as if they belong on an eighties album. Think Yazoo, and you’re not away. Then a pulsating drumbeat thunders in. They’re accompanied by roller coaster synths. What follows is a track the veers between dance-floor friendly, moody, hypnotic and thanks to the vocal, haunting. Errors, forever the musical chameleons, continue to reinvent themselves, complete with a healthy supply of space-age sounds.

Straight away, Slow Rotor reminds me of Chvrches. Maybe Errors touring with Chvrches has rubbed off. The deliberate synths have a Chvrches influence. Atop the arrangement sits a dreamy vocal from Cecila Stamp. It literally floats lazily away, its lysergic, quixotic sound proving captivating and compelling. 

As New Winged Fire unfolds, it’s as if the filters have been deployed. The synth sound is distant. Not for long. It’s as if a new day has dawned. Crispy drums accompany the swirling synths. So does the urgent, panicky vocal, as it sings: “I want out.” Later, synths bubble and there’s a sense of urgency in the keyboards and drums. Again, there’s a cinematic influence to a track full of drama and mystery.

There’s a dark, ominous sound as Early Nights begins. Slowly the broody, moody synths creep across the arrangement. They’re accompanied by cinematic synths. Together, they provide a hair raising backdrop, that would be the perfect soundtrack to a short film. 

Dull Care is another track with a Chvrches influence. It’s the chirpy synths and Cecila Stamp’s vocal that lead to this comparison. Filling out the arrangement are dark, moody synths and drums. They’re part of an arrangement that’s slow, moody, dramatic and again, cinematic. So much so, that the music paints pictures in your minds eye. Just like their label mates Mogwai have been doing, Errors have a future providing soundtracks to films and documentaries.

Plink plonk synths open Genuflection. This is very different from previous tracks. Errors seem to be heading for the dance floor. Drums pound, providing the 4/4 beat and a soaring vocal. Add to this banks of synths and the second vocal. It’s very different, but they work well together, and play their place in a joyous hands in the air anthem.

from the opening bars of Putman Caraibe, it’s obvious that something special is unfolding. Synths and drums combine, creating the backdrop for Bek Olivia’s ethereal vocal. It has a dreamy quality. Adding to this are equally ethereal synths. They’re very different to the dark, bassy synths and crispy drums. However, they sit well together and play their part in a dreamy, sometimes dark and dramatic, floaty track.

Through The Knowledge Of Those Who Observe Us closes Lease Of Life, Errors’ long awaited comeback album. Eighties synths are scene setters. They meander along, while hi-hats hiss and effects swell. Soon, a dark synth enters. These layers of instruments are joined by the massed voices of The Glad Community Choir. As the synths bubble, The Glad Community Choir combine soulfulness, emotion and beauty. Later, during a breakdown some of the synths take on an ethereal sound. Then Hannah Dent unleashes the sultriest of saxophones. It’s the perfect addition. This however, is no ordinary saxophone. Hannah Dent delivers a saxophone masterclass. Searing, blistering guitars are unleashed as the saxophone soars, and zips across the arrangement. By then, the saxophone and guitars are like yin and yang, on this thirteen minute epic which features Errors’ at their best.

After three long years away, Errors return like conquering heroes. Lease Of Life picks up where they left off on Have Some Faith In Magic. By that, I mean making innovative, groundbreaking music. 

To do this, Errors headed off to the beautiful island of Jura. That must have inspired Errors. Revitalised, they created music that’s variously beautiful, cinematic, dance-floor friendly, dark, dramatic, ethereal, hook laden and tinged with an air of mystery. Lease Of Life is a musical roller coaster journey. It’s a case of sit back, hold on and enjoy the ride. 

Over nine songs, lasting fifty-three minutes Errors paint pictures with your music. Sometimes, they toy with your emotions on tracks like New Winged Fire and Early Nights. For much of the time, it’s as if Errors are providing the soundtrack to a series of short films. You can’t help let your imagination run riot. Before your eyes, plots and scenarios unfold. It’s an intriguing and captivating listen. Maybe Errors will follow in Mogwai’s footsteps and start making soundtracks? They certainly have the ability to do so.

Then other times, Errors head for the dance-floor. Errors aren’t afraid to drop in the occasional dance-floor anthem. They don’t make any apologies for doing so. Neither should they. Not when Errors can make joyous, hands in the air anthems like Genuflection. Other tracks including Slow Rotor, have that irresistible summery vibe. It’s the type of track that’ll go down a storm at festivals this summer, when Errors take the stage. When they do, they’ll win friends and influence people.

No wonder. Somehow, Errors have managed to make an album that will appeal to everyone. Whether it’s the slower cinematic tracks, or the hands in the air anthems, there’s something for everyone on Lease Of Life, which was recently released by Mogwai’s Rock Action Records. Lease Of Life, Errors first album since 2012, sees the comeback kings, return to form with what’s undoubtably a career defining album.

ERRORS-LEASE OF LIFE.