Crow Lotus: Vocals
Tyler Harper: Guitar
Jeremy Randazzo: Drums
Trevor Alleman: Bass
Capra made a name for themselves with the adrenaline jolt that is In Transmission, and now return with their riveting sophomore effort Errors. Maintaining all the elements that made their 2021 debut so compelling--raucous energy, frantic riffs, the from-the-gut lyrics and soul-searing delivery of vocalist Crow Lotus-they've stepped things up, with stronger songwriting and a determination reach the next level. "We wanted to create something authentic, something real and honest. Nothing more and nothing less," says Lotus. Adds guitarist Tyler Harper, "I knew that I wanted it to pick up where the first album left off, but that it needed to have an entirely new attitude. If you listen to the last song from In Transmission into the first song on Errors, it's a continuation. From there the album steers off into a direction that still feels similar, but is new."
Coming primarily from a hardcore background but incorporating elements of metal that complement the overall tone, everything the band do on Errors resonates with emotion; nothing is forced. Kicking off with the vicious "CHSF," which is pure sonic bile and pounds the listener, they work their way through "Silana," with its grinding, punishing riff, and the thrashy "Kingslayer." The LP culminates with the frankly gorgeous "Nora," showing yet another dimension to their sound. "My main goals going in were to structure the songs to let the vocals shine more often, more breakdowns, and to keep the raw attitude of the first album alive," says Harper. "This album is a party. A heavy, fast, fun, loud party. The first album was definitely more chaotic but this one brings something to the table for everyone to enjoy." Agonizing over every detail clearly paid off, the guitarist demoing every track multiple times, looking for new directions, and finding them. The 10-song collection is compelling for even those who aren't necessarily hardcore fanatics. There's also a distinct restlessness that emanates from the record, partly stemming from Harper "having a hard time taking in the present; I'm constantly five steps ahead to make sure we're heading in the right direction." Lotus is likewise driven, never feeling like her work is complete when it comes to writing. "I always have something more to say, and more people to say it to. When you feel you have a real message to give to the world, you don't want to stop until everyone has heard it."
Formed in 2016 by Harper and drummer Jeremy Randazzo, who had previously worked together in multiple projects, the duo were looking to focus on something new in creating 2021's In Transmission. The initial idea was a band that would be fresh while still giving listeners a sense of nostalgia for the sounds of the late 90's and early 2000's hardcore and punk scenes. Errors furthers those goals, and the title of the record means something different to each of the band members. For Harper, "it's about living with mistakes and growing into a better version with new understanding. Nothing is ever perfect nor should it be. The 'errors' we make are what make us better."
Lotus has a different interpretation, stating, "sometimes I can feel like an anomaly, like I'm a glitch in the matrix or the root of everything wrong. I know many other people feel the same way. This one goes out to all the 'errors' of the world." Lyrically, the vocalist is incapable of coming from any place other than absolute honesty, frequently battling writer's block and anxiety, but she knew absolutely what she wanted to say on this record. "On In Transmission I was afraid to write about my depression in a way that didn't have a 'happy ending' of sorts. I felt everything had to be sort of inspiring or optimistic. On Errors, I allowed myself to write in a way that was more hopeless and true to how it feels when depression takes control of me personally; I feel that I owe it to others who experience the same thing." Touching on the similar topics on both records--mental health and the feeling of oppression--she acknowledges that as well as feeling more hopeless, Errors is darker and angrier in tone: "like an evil twin or a drunk uncle."
Tracking in Estuary Recording Studios in Austin, Texas, with Andrew Hernandez, the record was mixed by Taylor Young and mastered by Brad Boatright, the latter two having worked on In Transmission. For collaborations, Capra recruited Walls Of Jericho vocalist Candace Kucsulain-Puopolo to add her inimitable tones to "Human Commodity," while their friend Dustin Coffman from Glassing added backing vocals to a handful of tracks. Producer Hernandez also added some piano to "Nora," which closes out the album in a very different manner than anything they've previously explored. In a complete juxtaposition to the tracks that precede it, "Nora" is atmospheric and lithe, delicate and haunting. "I've always wanted to show a prettier/lighter side to this band where it's not always aggressive," says Harper. "Life is a rollercoaster and sometimes you need to throw some pretty piano into it." Since Capra's inception, Harper has always envisaged each album being a continuation of the last, and then breaking it off into its own journey, seeing "Nora" as "a fun way to start album three!"
Until then, the band will tour like the road warriors they have become, bringing Errors to North America and overseas. Capra are eager to bond with fans new and old. Lotus explains that crucial connection: "Care about us because we care about you. And because we are a part of creating something our community can be proud of."
