Erase Errata, that’s a name that hasn’t showed up on anybody’s radar in quite a while. After nearly a decade (nine years), the San Francisco punk band is finally at it again. Lost Weekend is their newest album and a pleasant surprise. The album proves that a lot has changed in that timespan, for better or worse.
Not many bands can start an album the way Erase Errata manages to. “The History of Handclaps,” isn’t the most awe inspiring song out there, but damn does it grab your attention. The second the finger hits the play button, you are absolutely assaulted with drums and a groovy guitar melody. The vocals seemingly blend and become their own instrument –as much as lyrics matter, the overall experience of this song is that much better. The band cleverly sneaks in some, well, clapping and the whole song engulfs you. It’s a fantastic opening tune and if you haven’t heard of the band yet, it most certainly gets you wondering about the history of Erase Errata (and if you aren’t familiar with their past albums, you may actually want to do your research).
With a first impression that powerful, the bar is set high. As a result, the next track seems to drag on forever, but putting that aside, the next couple of songs manage to do the trick again. “My Life In Shadows,” starts off with some dreamy vibes. Soaring sounds turn into a repetitive, hypnotic guitar riff. When the next song, “Scattered Means,” comes on, it’s a dramatic difference and a shock. Erase Errata adopts a far more punk sound –and some California really manages to leak it’s way in.
Across these few opening songs exists the absolute high point of the album. The melodies, the atmosphere, Erase Errata quickly sets themselves up to be the post-punk band we all needed for a while now. It’s really great. From here on out though, it all gets questionable.
Lost Weekend has a tendency of sounding just plain dull and beat. The first few songs come out fine, but the rest of the album becomes a chore to get through. The album just lacks excitement and while listening you just can’t help but get the feeling that Erase Errata had a hard time dusting off the cobwebs. In comparison to their past works, Lost Weekend is definitely less frantic, and exciting as Nightlife; and lacks some of the weirdness of Other Animals. Maybe that’s the issue Lost Weekend could have used a dose of more experimental fun. All things forgiven, Lost Weekend isn’t horrible but to be brutally honest, it’s a letdown of a comeback.
Erase Errata’s latest album and big release isn’t everything, but it sure does have its moments. Let’s not be mistaken, Lost Weekend is worth the time to listen to. Erase Errata fans may have to adjust to a little more subdued version of their favorite band –but that’s okay. Things have to change, and even if this album isn’t for everyone, it’s a lot more nice to see a band release new music than to fade into obscurity. Erase Errata’s Lost Weekend isn’t perfect but it’s enjoyable, and some of those songs are just gold enough that they demand a listen. Welcome back Erase Errata, the world missed you.
Rating: 6.5/10
Buy: iTunes