Erro’s debt album Strawberry Moon was well-received and critically praised. Now, they’ve hit our radar with its follow-up, Shadowland. Does it live up to expectations?

By Graeme Smith

Fronted by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nikki Stagel, Erro hail from Pittsburgh, USA. Their sound sets them apart from the crowd, combining recognisable elements of classic rock and pop with something a little more cinematic.

The project was started by Stagel in 2019 as a vehicle for her songwriting. A band soon formed around her, and they released their debut album, Strawberry Moon, in 2024, capturing the attention of the likes of Earmilk and Clout.

Stagel leads the band in more ways than one. Her distinctive vocal is the focus of Shadowland’s nine tracks. The songs are composed to give her voice centre stage.

They deliver lyrics that don’t over-complicate and feel impactful as a result.

“Shadowland isn’t just a follow-up,” says Stagel. “It’s a reflection of growth — personally, creatively, and emotionally an interpretation of how I perceive the world around me and the cultural climate we’re living in.”

Erro have a one-take recording approach in the studio, giving each composition a raw, almost live feel about it. There’s a sense of immediacy about it all, and the talent behind the project is on clear display.

The album kicks off with its title track which gives us some early emotional resonance and instrumental complexity. A captivating, passionate chorus proves an early, memorable highlight.

It’s followed by the brassy, groovy, smoky Honey Bear Lane, the contemplative The Watcher and the uplifting JMS.

Walls proves a mid-album highlight thanks to its bright, indie rock arrangement and pleading lyrics. In many ways, it typifies the album through its complexity and emotional honesty.

Elsewhere Dragonfly injects some funkiness, Words About Life and The Hollow are beautifully soul bearing. Over Me closes the album with some final rock edginess.

So, does Shadowland meet the mark? Undoubtedly. There’s just something about the record that makes it infinitely compelling. It has a lot of replay value and proves the perfect introduction to Erro for us.

Joining Stagel on the album are Michael Gerver, TK Mundok, Aparna Nair, Missy Chretien, Sean Suza, Alex Shipley, and Nathan Bodnar. Mixing and mastering is by Matt Very.

To keep up to date with Erro, you can follow them on Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud.

Shadowland is out now, and you can listen to it below.

Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator