Since the last Erase Errata post on Canada Day, I found out the band had lost their guitarist and gained a new album. Nightlife represents a break of sorts from their earlier work; it’s no longer quite so willfully obtuse and caustic, and far fewer people will be inclined to label them “pure noise” on first listen. For those of you in love with Erase Errata for their spastic, off-kilter ways, Nightlife may not be the sort of evolution you want to hear. Upon first listen, I thought Erase Errata had lost the plot they’d perfected on At Crystal Palace. “Owls” was Erase Errata at its apex: loud, aggressive and menacing.

Well, as it turns out, Nightlife has some menace in it as well, if you look for it. “Tax Dollar” is the catchiest song Erase Errata has ever done, its sonic acrobatics oddly tuneful, almost—dare I say it?—hummable? And yet there’s no mistaking Jenny Hoyston’s intent: “Murder with your tax dollars!” isn’t exactly an invitation to a Sunday afternoon tea party. It’s not quite the Erase Errata you used to know, but they still pack a punch.