Before the likes of My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy exploded into stadiums 20 odd years ago, emo meant something completely different to what it’s thought of today. Back in the 80s, it instead referred to a group of bands pushing the limits of hardcore punk beyond three power chords with a greater emphasis on personal reflection and introspection. This movement was called ‘Revolution Summer’ and consisted of bands such as Rites of Spring, Embrace, and Gray Matter. 40 years on, London post hardcore three-piece Ritual Error are bringing the noise rock influenced sounds of 80’s emocore into the 2020’s, and have spent the past few years making ripples in the UK’s DIY scene and beyond, including three appearances at Manchester Punk Festival. Two years on from debut album Dial in the Ghost, the band have returned with their sophomore album Terminal with Benefits, a release which realises the potential displayed on their debut.
The album’s key characteristic is the discordant and angular guitars. Frontman Okala Elesia employs a combination of some aggressive and snarling chords with some unsettling single note arpeggios. In spite of their unnerving qualities, there is still an element of melody buried underneath the distortion and snarl. The guitars are backed up by the rhythm section with bassist Allessandro Incorvaia quietly keeping the rhythm whilst also adding some more warm sounding textures that help to make Okala’s guitars stand out a little bit more. These elements combine with drummer David Thair’s pounding rhythms, guiding us through the chaos. A great example of these qualities can be found in the fourth track, ‘Domestic Pattern’, and lead single, ‘New Slime’, both of which move through a variety of dynamics throughout their duration and have each member giving it their all.
“There are a lot of layers present on Terminal With Benefits, but those layers make this an incredibly rewarding listen.”
The glue holding everything together is Okala’s vocals. His delivery is halfway between shouting and spoken word, bringing to mind Guy Picciotto of Rites of Spring and Fugazi fame while having its own distinct flair. These vocals are delivered with the conviction and authenticity which pairs perfectly with the dissonant instruments. Adding to the somewhat off kilter guitars are the equally intriguing lyrics. These can sometimes be cloaked in metaphors open to interpretation, such as on the ironically titled ‘Instrumental’, whereas other tracks have pretty clear narratives. Opening track ‘Tapeworm’ tackles the struggles you’re presented with when playing in a DIY band and struggling to get your music heard alongside making time for other commitments, and ‘Hung Up on a Clown’ is written from the point of view of a far right individual worshipping nationalist figureheads and blaming immigrants for the state of society. A lot of these lyrics are taken to bizarre and humorous extremes, which point out the absurd realities that we live in.
There are a lot of layers present on Terminal With Benefits, but those layers make this an incredibly rewarding listen. Each respective journey taken with this album uncovers something new to appreciate about it, and that’s something which is sure to keep listeners returning to what Ritual Error have cooked up for them long after their first listen.