Happy New Year! It’s been ages since my last post, but I thought I should at least show up for an end-of-year post. It’s been an extraordinary year, and I have not listened to much music that applies here. Instead of the usual top 25, I am simply going to do an album of the year, and this year, it’s easily “An Error Has Occurred” by The Janitors on Rocket Recordings. It’s rare these days to see an album that, track after track, is nothing but top-notch tunes.
“An Error Has Occurred” hits hard and dark from the opening notes of “Anger The World.” The deep bass grooves recall a bit of Peter Hook, and the sing-song choruses among the swirling guitars create a dense chaos. “Kalfjället” follows with its plodding pace, and the group chorus of “We know you know, we know you know” just hits so hard. “Lies” follows with its whispered vocals that recall a bit of the Jesus and Mary Chain with its simplistic bass line and dense guitar layers. “In a Bliss” starts off with some cheesy keyboards and a bit of a take on “May The Circle Be Unbroken” before erupting into a brutal pounding beat while somehow maintaining a bit of that spiritual element whether or not it exists at all, “probably just my take”. The standout track for me is “Operator,” with its dirge of a groove and swirling effects creating a dense atmosphere throughout all of its nine-plus minutes. “What Is Real” has a funky hypnotic groove that will get you moving. The album closes with the slow-paced “Farewell Spacegirl.” I might have buried this one in the middle somewhere, as it’s not the strongest closing track because of its more meditative nature, but then again, that might ruin the great flow of all that came before it.
Overall, I couldn’t ask for much more from an album. I play it in the car, while gaming, no matter my mood. It’s been on my playlist since it came out, like no other record this year. The Janitors are definitely on my list of bands I would like to see added to the Fuzz Club Festival lineup for 2025. I cannot recommend this record or any others of theirs enough. Such an interesting blend of pure darkness and classic sound from these guys every time out.
