Eric Anders & Mark O’Bitz – ‘Contrapasso’ [EP] [Album Review]

Northern Californian singer-songwriter Eric Anders and Southern Californian guitarist-composer Mark O’Bitz, who have been working together for two decades, recently released their alt-Americana EP, Contrapasso.

The title of the EP has its provenance in the Latin ‘contra’ and ‘patior,’ which means “suffer the opposite.” In his Inferno and Purgatorio, Dante uses the term to refer to the punishment of souls “by a process either resembling or contrasting with the sin itself.”

In the context of the EP, the title takes on both conceptual and political ramifications, forming a commentary on the current status quo in the U.S., where millions are persuaded by a cult of personality. Indeed, “High on Cult Life” explores the psychology of following a magnetic personality, equating it to addiction.

Written by Anders and O’Bitz, Contrapasso was produced and mixed by Mike Butler and mastered by Jamal Ruhe. Artists appearing on the EP include Anders (vocals), Butler (guitars, bass, lap steel, keys, dobro, banjo, mandolin), Tim McNally (strings on “Sold Down the River”), and John O’Reilly Jr.

Entry points on the four-track EP include “Bells Toll,” which rolls out on a gently flickering melody, drawling and twangy. Anders’ voice, surely one of the most emotionally expressive extant, imbues the lyrics with soft, husky tones and hints of profound weariness.

The album closer, “Sold Down the River,” conjures up thoughts of Neil Young because of the delicious scraping textures of Anders’ vocals. The melody, highlighted by dark, elegiac piano, oozes brooding melancholy.

Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz

Beautifully arranged and performed yet wrought with aching portent, Contrapasso offers a chilling prophetic prognosis.

Contrapasso Track Listing:

1. High on Cult Life
2. Bells Toll
3. This Haunted Love
4. Sold Down the River

Run Time: 18:14
Release Date: April 1, 2024
Record Label: Independent