REVIEW : ERROR 99 "EP" (2013)

Error99 "EP", The Town House
Release date: 2013
Running time: 26:36, 7 tracks + 1 hidden track
 
This is one of the main discoveries of the year. A Thai band clearly influenced by the likes of The Pogues and Flogging Molly. The guys have issued several singles since 2009 and all of their recordings have been put together on this 8 track EP featuring 7 self-penned songs and one trad. cover (“Whiskey in the Jar”).

“Boy Scout” is one of the band’s hits. It’s a catchy song featuring awesome banjo and fiddle.

“Metropolis” is another strong number. It’s a fast-paced song with an epic twist on lead vocals. The banjo sounds like a racing horse. Watch out, you could be whistling this song all day long.

Another amazing track: “Island”. As usual, accordion, banjo and fiddle shine out, together with the electric guitar. Excellent chorus on a song with reminiscences of Whiskey of the Damned or The Killigans.

“Duan” is their most recent song. Great bass line, amazing guitar work and fantastic banjo, fiddle and accordion on a song that can be filed together with the main Japanese Celtic punk bands.

A more tone down approach is followed on tracks such as “Moon” and “Tales of the Scarecrow”. As result, a well-balanced EP

Error99 are definitely a band to follow: infectious songs, vocal antics and a sound based on banjo, accordion and fiddle. I love the different techniques to play the fiddle in different parts of the world. And this is one of the strengths of Error99. Are they influenced by Flogging Molly? Yes. Are they another Flogging Molly copycat band? No, these guys have their own identity. A fresh sound, influences from their own culture, original songs and the use of their own language. Even if you can’t understand Thai, you will be able to appreciate the music and the feelings. One of the best EPs of the year. Don't miss it.

Tracklist (click on the title to watch a live video of the song):

1 - Boy Scout 3:39
2 - Metropolis 3:49
3 - Tales of the Scarecrow 4:57
4 - Island 3:51
5 - Duan 3:08
6 - Moon (demo version)
7 - Whiskey and Beer (demo version)
8 - Whiskey in the Jar (Hidden track) 2:47

http://www.facebook.com/error99band
http://www.myspace.com/errorninetynine
http://artist.you2play.com/summary/errorninetynine

Click to buy "Japan-Thailand Connection", a compilation featuring "Metropolis":

http://www.pure-impact.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3620

To get the EP, contact the band's label:

https://www.facebook.com/thetownhouselabel

Review by Kinksmarkham