Nightlife

Erase Errata | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 25, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Kill Rock Stars
• ASIN: B000FUF7ZS
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #305,540 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Erase Errata's newest record, their third album and their first on the Kill Rock Stars label, Nightlife, is the sole audible note that takes on the fiery political climate and the banal musical climate that truly follows in the footsteps of the revolution started by DNA, Mars, James Chance, and others. They are the first true second generation No Wave band...

The new album may be very No Wave and avant-garde influenced but it is a truly original record. Unlike many bands today that are taking cues from older bands, Erase Errata really know how to be influenced without having the influence take over their sound. Interpol sound just like Joy Division, Bloc Party sounds just like Gang of Four, but Erase Errata only suggest No Wave and Post-Punk while still keeping their unique take on the genre. --Popmatters

Nightlife, much more than the other Erase Errata records, is all about the rhythm section. If there's a guitar hero to be had on Nightlife, it's Erickson. Her off-kilter plucking and mangling, in tandem with Sparta's locked-down drumming, defines this album right from the beginning. It's to their credit that this mostly mournful or menacing-sounding album rises above its own morass. Sunshine and lollipops aren't in great supply when denouncing U.S. foreign policy or wiretapping programs, but the band's work on ''Tax Dollar'' and ''Another Genius Idea'' keeps the message from ossifying. Make no mistake, however-- there's a message to be had on this record, and it's hard to ignore. Erase Errata might not be as playful as they once were, but they're much better. --Pitchfork

Product Description

Their third album serves up narratives that examine the realities no one wants to look at: war and poverty. The lyrics are about the government, political disillusionment, and being distracted by nightlife, consumerism, and celebrity watching. After some sound and line up changes, the band has largely abandoned their skronky, dance punk sound, but they're still dynamic, elastic, and danceable. They even sound like a pop band at times. All their changes and efforts are well evidenced on this record's twelve tracks of polished chaos. The group is as powerful and unhinged as ever.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars New Wave of No Wave Grrrls Get Their Groove On, August 1, 2006

By 

Scott Bresinger (New York, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nightlife (Audio CD)

It's been a few years since Erase Errata's last album, "At Crystal Palace," was released, and in that time the band has changed their personel somewhat (guitarist Sara Jaffe has departed for grad school). Fortunately, their spiky, fiery post-punk hasn't changed, but (can ya believe it) "matured." Now when I say that I don't mean "got soft," but now they've learned how to get their groove on. Whereas on their previous LP's the rhythm section of Bianca Sparta (drums) and Ellie Erickson (bass) stayed true to their intitial inspiration, the "No Wave" scene of the late 70's, here they're adding in danceable ryhthms that other post-punkers dabbled in (Gang Of Four, say). Yeah yeah yeah, you say, so has every other hipster band in New York these days--big freakin' deal. Ah, but the guitars of Jenny Hoyston are simply in a much higher league than say, the Rapture or Radio 4. While she still likes letting loose with a salvo of skronky noise, she can also effortlessly run off a bit of surf rock or even something in the realm of late jazz giant Sonny Sharrock. No, she doesn't approach the guitar nirvana that Sonic Youth has perfected, but she also doesn't try to copy them either. Some songs, like "Giant Hands," go for the kind of energy that Sleater-Kinney had early in their carreer. Many others recall the late, great Dog Faced Hermans (who?--you say--well, search out and buy anything of theirs you can--you won't be disappointed!).

Lyrically, Erase Errata still cling to the disjointed imagery all too common in indie rock, and a few songs offer some undercooked poitical commentary (from "Tax Dollar": "See us injure, see us steal/See us talking on about another kill"). These are minor quibbles in the long run, though, because the power of the music easily compensates. If you want to rock out, but you also want a bit of an experimental edge, then "Nightlife" is this year's best bet. Erase Errata are way more punk then all those MTV-approved brats and whiners, and way smarter as well. This is the kind of thing that'll get me dancing around the house in my underwear--okay, that's a very disturbing image, but it'll be worth it when you hear this.

5.0 out of 5 stars funk!, January 16, 2011

By 

The Mighty Tyrone (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Nightlife (Audio CD)

I wish Erase Errata was more prolific! This is another in a series from this
San Francisco outfit that is top notch funk.

5.0 out of 5 stars These chicks rock, November 20, 2007

By 

MRSCRY (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nightlife (Audio CD)

Without reading up on Erase Errata, I've listened to a lot of their stuff, and this album blows their previous efforts away. And it's safe to conclude that this record is a true example of remaining parts coming together and turning into something stronger after losing a key piece, because their talented lead guitarist left before this album was made. To make up for it, you've got more noticeable bass and guitar riffs than previous albums, and it makes me forget they even lost their guitarist. Very awesome album this is. I could always tell these chicks would be able to compose real songs, and they finally do it on "Nightlife", all of them being kick ass. My favorite is "Rider", with some intense vocals about guns and knives. And you won't find anything more intense in music right now than the climax of "Tax Dollar"... wow, scary, loud, and thrilling.