ERRA - CURE
ERRA, a progressive metalcore band has been shaking the scene since 2009. Composed of guitarist Jesse Cash, drummer Alex Ballew, bassist Conor Hesse, and vocalist J.T. Cavey. Their blend of technical proficiency, emotive lyrics, and intricate guitar work has garnered a devoted following within the metalcore scene.
Starting as Jesse Cash's solo project, ERRA released their debut EP ERRA in 2009, followed by their acclaimed full-length album Impulse in 2010. Over the years, they've evolved their sound, incorporating elements of djent, progressive metal, and post-rock into albums like Drift and Neon. Their music explores themes of introspection, personal struggles, and existentialism, resonating deeply with fans. Renowned for their electrifying live performances and relentless commitment to innovation, ERRA stands as a prominent force in modern metalcore leaving fans ecstatic about their newest release, Cure.
Cure opens with the album’s title track and brings in the heavy, intricate guitars the band is known for right off the bat. The high energy and Cavey’s screams mixed with Cash’s melodic vocals share the feeling of missing something and replenishing that with past memories but wanting to move away from that saying they’d “rather die waiting on something real than settle for repurposed memories.”
’Blue Reverie’ changes up the vibe, sharing instead a softer, more melodic sound. The lyrics in the track seem to hint at the idea of not feeling like you belong, wishing desperately to be somewhere where you do and wanting to hide away from where you currently are. The softer guitars in the verses then the slightly heavier tone in the chorus with Cavey’s backing screams make this track more of a desperate sounding track.
‘End to Excess’ also shares a slower introduction, before the vocals are brought in and the energy picks up. Cash’s melodic chorus helps to further push the message of being lost and feeling like there is no escape. It’s almost as if Cash’s vocals show the desperation of wanting an escape while on the other hand, Cavey shows the determination and anger of the situation with his vocals.
The band’s last track on the album, ‘Wave’ shares the feeling of being so alone and wanting to turn back to a simpler time while also recognizing that you’re stuck where you are now. The instrumentals mixed with both Cavey and Cash’s vocals help to give this album the energetic ending it needs as the guitars fade the album off with the echoes of Cash’s vocals.
In all, the album shares what ERRA is known for while also further proving themselves. Having recently toured with bands like Bad Omens and currently on their headliner, ERRA’s live presence is just as if not even more energetic as their studio tracks, making them sure to gain even more success in their future releases. This album shares a perfect combination of both melodic and hardcore themes that, truly, anyone could give it a listen and potentially find something they resonate with.
Niki Davidson
★★★★★