Erro - Shadowland

Erro – Shadowland (Album)

On their second album Shadowland, Erro continues to share the artistry showcased on their debut album Strawberry Moon, but this time in a nine-track album that sounds a bit more focused and ambitious, as second albums usually do. Led by Pittsburgh-based songwriter and artist Nikki Stagel, the female-fronted pop-rock group leans further into live performances, a focus on melody, and a range of mood added into the production. Through each track, they are finding a space in the music scene that can best be described as somewhere between today’s indie pop and classic singer-songwriter rock.

Where Strawberry Moon introduced Erro as a group with a familiar vintage flare, Shadowland goes deeper in its themes and lyrics, as the title might suggest at first look. From start to finish, the album uses each of its nine tracks to unfold patiently, relying on classic melodies and easy-going instrumental patterns. It’s clear that this isn’t a pop album, with a clear focus to effort to keep the sound real and a bit unpolished, with instruments and vocal performances that have a touch of that 90s nostalgia at times.

Production wise, Shadowland seemingly takes inspiration from several familiar groups and corners of the alternative genre. In song tracks, there are lyrics and sounds that recall the introspective pop-rock of artists like Phoebe Bridgers or even early Ingrid Michaelson, while in other songs there seems to be a lean toward guitar-led classic influences that bring to mind the likes of John Mayer and Pink Floyd. Yet, the album never sounds like a copy and paste of these influences, but one that strategically blends the best features of these artists into an album that fits neatly alongside today’s top indie and adult alternative releases.

And while the album is cohesive in sound, featuring a similar overall vibe, each track remains distinct. For example, a standout track like “Honey Bear Lane” is driven by a steady bass line and a guitar solo that will surely bring to mind classic rock groups like Pink Floyd. On the other hand, “The Watcher” features piano and horns that work together to lift the chorus, making it sounds like it was written to be sung along with a subtle sense of drama. Meanwhile, “Words About Life” slows things down, mixing modern folk production with more of a ballad structure that really gives a spotlight to Stagel’s voice. It’s perhaps the most reflective track on the album that shows Erro at their most vulnerable, relying on thoughtful songwriting. And another standout is“JMS,” which goes more into the bluesy pop-rock genre, bringing to mind early John Mayer through classic guitar tones and extended solos that add to the song’s (and album’s) overall level of expression.

All in all, Shadowland benefits from its collaborative work, with carefully placed instrumentation, lyrics, and vocals. In the wider music scene, the album fits well among listeners looking for emotionally direct, melody-driven songs that keep the focus on what matters most - the music. It’s an album likely to gain fanship from those already listening to indie pop, alternative rock, and modern folk.