Erro explores relationships and the human condition in typically raw fashion on the new album Shadowland
Having lauded their previous album Strawberry Moon last year, we were buzzing to hear that singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Nikki Stagel’s pop rock project Erro had a new album out in the form of Shadowland, and wondered how they would follow up on a release that earned so much reverence and acclaim.
The new album opens with its title track ‘Shadowland’, immediately showcasing the emotional depth and artistry that is on display on the new album with a thoughtful soundscape that is packed full of rawness and authenticity, opting for softness over dynamism in a way that makes the words hit so much harder as they delve into moments of unease and uncertainty in cinematic, yet grounded fashion.
This is followed by ‘The Watcher’, a track that immediately has an atmospheric and creative appeal thanks to the nuance in the instrumentation, bursting to life in compelling fashion and packed full of a distinctive appeal that is characterised by its nuanced lyrics and the compelling way that it comes together.
The stripped-back and emotional ‘JMS’ has a more forthright approach to it throughout, with the longing nature of the lyrics painting a vivid picture of somebody frustrated with their struggles to move on, and its bluesy guitars just adding to its emotional heft and resonating, relatable charm.
There is a more punchy and energetic feel to ‘Walls’, a track that feels like the artist kicking back to gear following the more slow-paced lull of the previous track. The creative fun of the instrumentation and the fire in the vocal delivery makes for a really fun ride of a listen, and one that is packed full of invigorating spirit and appeal.
Themes like deception and people reigning interesting or caring are explored on the fiery ‘Dragonfly’, an acerbic track that has a darkness and depth to it and another impactful vocal performance that matches the tone of the lyrics perfectly. The combination of catchy melodies and gritty roughness of this track creates a really engrossing sense of duality that feels fresh and exciting, telling the story of somebody with their cards close to their chest as they have grown disillusioned with the world around them.
The introspective and endlessly thoughtful ‘Words About Life’ makes for a really moving, stripped-back moment on the album, with reflective lyrics and a growing, cinematic soundscape offering some candid and heartfelt observations about life and relationships that have a really rousing core to it throughout.
The album comes to a close with the typically compelling ‘Over Me’, a track that continues to hone in on the themes of emotional resonance and connection that the album is build upon. The album’s marriage of melodies that stick with you and these narratives that dissect relationships and people lasts right through to its final track, with the theme of a conflict-filled relationship still beating right through to its end.
The authenticity and heart that is poured into Erro’s performance-led sound is what gives it the hard-hitting and lasting impact that leaves such an impression on you as a listener. With themes surrounding relationships and the human experience feeling elevated by the real and raw nature of the artist’s sound, making for an album that resonates for a variety of reasons.
