Album Review: Ritual Error – Dial in the Ghost (TNS Records)

Drawing from the worlds of post hardcore and noise rock, ‘Dial in the Ghost’, is the debut album from London-based outfit Ritual Error, set for release on 8th November 2024, via Manchester’s TNS Records.

With an extremely bombastic approach to a combination that has abrasiveness written all over it, Ritual Error arrive in style with this excellent debut album. Excellent because it consistently gets the heart racing, constantly fills the veins with fire, weighs down the mind with anarchic heaviness, and leaves an overriding feeling of discombobulation via a bevy of erratic melodies. It is maddening, but once again, it is brilliant.

So brilliant in fact, that even after multiple listens, it continues to unveil delights. From the manic energy of opener Good Conscience in Three Stages that betrays all noise rock conventions by being somewhat catchy. To the finale of Making an End, where an ambient mindset ensures the album fades out in relaxed fashion. Ritual Error offering up a touching instrumental finale where the post rings out effectively.

Of course, in between those are so many bangers to enjoy. Such as a track like the punk-infused The Living Archive, which has this playful guitar melody that is so addictive. A track like Twin, which has the kind of solemn post sound that reminds of bands like Touché Amoré. Or a track like Return to Lagos, which finds Ritual Error in an even more experimental place and pushing the limits of listenability through their haphazard approach. Which should be off-putting, but it’s actually even more addictive.

All bands want to create something unique, but few are actually capable. No such issue for Ritual Error who keep the listener on their toes throughout Dial in the Ghost. Even if what they do isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste, the sheer impressiveness of a record so inimitable will be noted by all. Many will love this record though. Love the mania of Life as a Contact Sport, love the methodical weirdness of Haldeman, love the fun anthemic intensity of Artist of Work, love the powerful post vibes of Tear Jerker, and love the bullish melodic intensity of Tell Me When You’ve Found It.

Creative as hell from the start to the end. That’s Ritual Error’s Dial in the Ghost. A killer record.

Ritual Error – Dial in the Ghost Track Listing:

1. Good Conscience in Three Stages
2. The Living Archive
3. Life As a Contact Sport
4. Haldeman
5. Twin
6. Artist At Work
7. Tear Jerker
8. Return To Lagos
9. Tell Me When You’ve Found It
10. Making An End

Links

Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram