Columbia, South Carolina band "Errortype: 11" paint themselves as art
rock in their press material. Vocalist/guitarist Arthur Shepard supplies
a stream of consciousness piece that touches on art, his frustration
with not being recognized, and the pretension that comes with those
things. Reading it made me want "Errortype: 11" to stand out above the
barrage of new bands that constantly impact the rock music scene today.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen for me. This isn't to say they aren't
a good band. It takes an enormous number of elements coming together to
make a band stand out in the sea of bands recording music today. I find
so many bands sound the same. They need a great hook or a great lyric
line to push them to the surface of that sea, to be spotted where I sit
overhead.

While "Errortype: 11" doesn't quite reach the surface, they did catch my
attention a little bit. The band consists of the aforementioned Arthur
Shepard; bass player, Adam Marino; drummer, Erik Matheu and guitarist/
vocalist, Phil Hanraty. "The Crank EP" is their second album, intended
as a preview to their full length effort to be released in September.

"I Wonder How (To Make It Real)" explores a new relationship on a
surface level. Speed metal guitar crashes against the eardrums for an
intro. Bass and vocals soften the onslaught a bit, but the song mostly
stays hard and fast. A softer guitar and retro sound pervades on
"Language Of Your Own," while the vocal rasps out lyrics with more
depth. The song delves into the individual language of feelings each of
us develops as we grow.

Loud, heavy guitar and shouted lyrics drive "Right Again." It shows the
viewpoint of maliciously needing to be right all the time. Anger and
control are what's important to the song's voice. Back to a softer
sound, "Collecting Dust" is the closest thing to a ballad here, and
perhaps the best song presented. It's about not making anything of
oneself, despite having a lot to give. Acoustic guitar and a heartfelt
vocal give the song an extra appeal.

The last song, "There Goes Another One," opens with soft distorted
guitar licks. High tremoring vocals overlay a heady mixture of
psychedelia. The song looks at being misunderstood by the people around
you. Extended feedback leaves one with an uneasy feeling at the end.

"Errortype: 11" has some growing to do, but they may have some surprises
up their sleeves with their full album. If you're into angst and a heavy
sound, give them a spin.