motel void

This February, an anonymous project, Infinite Error, has released a new album titled Plagued By Meaning. It’s dark, deep and definitely not the kind of music you casually play while making lunch. Much like my favorite band, Have a Nice Life, this is music in its purest form.

The album sets its tone right from the first track, Plagued by Meaning, which opens with a heavy, dark introduction that soon shifts into something reminiscent of a horror movie soundtrack (it could easily fit into a new Nosferatu film.)

In Lust immediately showcases the album’s excellent production. The knocking sounds, the unsettling beat, and the gradual layering of textures create an eerie atmosphere. Recently, I read an essay about the Resident Evil series, and listening to this track evoked the same (dark) color palette that came to mind while reading. This is also the first track where the vocals come in, seamlessly woven into the mix. The vocal delivery is subtle yet charged with emotion and an uncanny, haunting quality.

King Eater flows naturally from In Lust, and the distant echoes of David Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, can be felt in the vocal approach. The sense of unease is omnipresent, with orchestral elements adding to the chilling atmosphere. At this point, I was craving a moment of respite—Plagued by Meaning is by no means an easy listen. Fortunately, Birds Calling it Quits offers a slight release, opening with a delicate piano melody and a gentle vocal reminiscent of Sparklehorse. Yet, beneath the surface, an underlying tension remains—you know something isn’t right, that something will resurface. The track keeps you on edge until it swells into an epic climax, culminating in a beautiful choral arrangement that sends shivers down your spine (in the best way possible).

The second half of the album introduces more varied motifs. Belatedness plays with a repetitive, almost indie-rock-like guitar riff—of course, slightly deconstructed to fit the album’s tone. Derealizing carries a trip-hop feel, reminding me of a late-night detour I once took around Snoqualmie Falls, the filming location of Twin Peaks, while listening to Portishead’s debut album. Little Devils stands out with a melody that balances unease with an odd catchiness. The album closes with Causing You Worry, a fitting end to this cohesive and well-crafted record.

Plagued By Meaning is a brilliant addition to a genre that blends deeply dark, unsettling moments with melodies that, at times, feel familiar and accessible. I haven’t come across many albums like this recently, and this one matched my mood perfectly.

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