Error

Error (2004)

Scott Heisel

"Nothing's working / nothing's working / nothing's working / are you listening to me?"

Indeed I am, and if you aren't yet, you should start. Error is the musical brainchild of brothers Atticus and Leopold Ross. Atticus is best known for his work with Trent Reznor in Nine Inch Nails, which shows up in the five songs on this EP. Leopold is best known for being Atticus' brother. Regardless, the brothers Ross have a grand vision with Error, and Brett Gurewitz shares it.

Gurewitz is the lyrical muse behind Error, and has given the digital hardcore group some of his darkest, bleakest material. Bad Religion could never pull these lyrics off, as they really leave you with no hope whatsoever [just listen to "Welcome To Hell" for proof]. The writing process for these tracks just feels ultimately draining, but luckily not an eyeliner case is to be found. Just because it's dark doesn't mean it's goth, and Error knows that.

Handling the vocal duties on this EP is new Dillinger Escape Plan singer Greg Puciato. Unfortunately he is just a "guest" vocalist, in that he won't be recording any more material with the band, which is unfortunate. Puciato really takes these lyrics and makes them his own, growling them out with focused intent. At times on the EP, he [and the music as a whole] actually reminds me a bit of the Dillinger Escape Plan/Mike Patton collaboration from 2002 - Puciato is barely in Patton's shadow, talentwise.

Error has delivered a highly promising, energetic-yet-gloomy EP that has me anxiously awaiting a follow-up LP. Definitely worth checking out.