Eric Anders & Mark O'Bitz : Singer-Songwriter Duo
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"This is a powerful album ... bold ... the sadness of what we're going through today ... set to music."
"This haunting masterpiece is a chilling exploration of the mysterious and thought-provoking, a sonic tapestry that will send shivers down your spine and leave you questioning the very nature of reality."
Javier, Vents Magazine
"The songs ... cover a trio of topics: political, philosophical, and sentimental, and convey a sad feeling, an aura of melancholy, as if confronting an impasse, like a wall, around which you can neither advance nor retire nor sidle away.... Although suffused with a sense of gloominess ... [this album] is ineffably beautiful ..."
Randy Radic, v13
"[Anders/O'Bitz continue] their knack for truth-seeking introspection and poignant, moving themes set amidst a folk-Americana styling.... The build-up here is fantastic, reminding fondly of Neil Young."
Mike Mineo, Obscure Sound
"An evergreen project, a conscious one to reflect upon at certain times in life."
Manny King John, Grungecake
Contrapasso
Another Anders/O'Bitz/Butler Project
Released April 1, 2024​
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Produced and Mixed by Mike Butler
Mastered by Jamal Ruhe
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“Contrapasso” (or, “contrappasso” in Italian) comes from the Latin “contra” and “patior,” meaning "suffer the opposite.” In Dante's Inferno and Purgatorio, “contrapasso” is the punishment of souls "by a process either resembling or contrasting with the sin itself."
Eric chose this name for the EP because the songs are all critiques of the American “inferno” we are living in today–where Americans are either enslaved by or oppressed by the ridiculously stupid beliefs of a racist and cultish minority of hundreds of millions.
The Americana-rock style and the thematics of these four songs were all inspired by the Anders/O'Bitz/Butler single from 2020, "Careful Now My Son," about which music critic Will Oliver wrote:
“Careful Now My Son" captures a folk and country-themed rock sound that takes the inner turmoil of the past year and captures it in a fashion that feels raw and passionate."
“Careful Now My Son” was not intended as much a reflection of the “inner turmoil” of the pandemic as a warning about the existential threat posed by Trumpism. The four songs on Contrapasso are a reflection on the cultishness of Trumpism, in addition to America's original sin of slavery--two very connected aspects of America's present and past–since the MAGA cult could be considered the New Confederacy and the old Confederacy was very much a form of Christian Nationalism, which has been on the rise for the last four decades.
“Bells Toll” is a reflection on Frederick Douglass’s observation that the Christian bells would ring along with the bells of the slave auctioneers. White Nationalism and Christian Nationalism have always gone hand-in-hand.
This EP features the amazing production and musicianship of Mike Butler who, in addition to producing and mixing, plays almost all of the instruments. Eric and Mark are very grateful to have worked with Mike since 2020’s American Bardo.
Breaking and Entering, Milwaukee: Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz's Contrapasso takes you there
May 6, 2024
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By Deuce
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... Eric is on the vocals, climbing the ethereal heights with his feathery falsetto. Both of the gents are credited with songwriting. But the one to watch for is Mike Butler, he of producer, multi-instrumentalist, and mixer status.​ The things Butler does with the guitar, hell, any variety of guitars, on this album are not to be done at home....​ Check the guitars on “High on Cult Life”, which is first up to bat on this affair. They’re better than those found in the movies...​ “So many high on cult life” Anders phrases, with a penchant for sumptuously inflecting the final two words. And, with Butler’s guitar playing, you’ll be one of those out your body and your mind, trying to keep up with this one.... ​Now mind you, Butler’s not just confined to the acoustic instruments he’s fingering on “Cult Life”. On the rest of the EP he gladly trades them for banjos, mandolins, dobros... lap steel, and almost every other instrument heard on the four songs.... But that “Cult Life”? Uh, it needs to be played again.
EARMILK: Eric Anders and Mark O'Bitz’s "Contrapasso" is a deep dive into modern Americana
JULY 31, 2024
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By Sarah Wagner
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For two decades, the musical collaboration between Eric Anders and Mark O'Bitz has evolved across various genres, with folk and Americana serving as their artistic cornerstone. Their latest EP, Contrapasso, marks a significant return to their Americana roots, now imbued with a richer bluegrass influence. The project represents a culmination of their two-decade journey, demonstrating a refined mastery of the genre. By integrating a variety of skilled musicians, Anders and O'Bitz have crafted a work that not only reinforces their dedication to folk traditions but also expands their sound into new, vibrant dimensions.
In Contrapasso, the core ensemble consists of a trio featuring the highly versatile multi-instrumentalist Mike Butler. Known for his extensive contributions to the Americana scene, Butler’s involvement is crucial; he performs on numerous folk instruments and also takes on the roles of producer and mixer. His expert production skills are instrumental in elevating the EP, providing a polished yet authentic sound that enhances the richness of the bluegrass arrangements. Although Butler has previously collaborated with Anders and O'Bitz, Contrapasso represents a high point in showcasing his extensive abilities and creative influence.
Another significant contributor is John O'Reily Jr., whose drumming underpins every track on the EP.... Contrapasso explores contemporary American issues through its title, derived from Dante’s concept of "contrapasso," reflecting the EP's critique of modern societal and political issues. The album serves as both a musical exploration and a critical commentary on current events, encapsulating the spirit of Americana while addressing urgent themes in today's socio-political landscape.
The title "contrapasso"—from Latin "contra" (against) and "patior" (to suffer)—draws on Dante’s notion of punishment reflecting the nature of one’s sins. This concept is woven into the EP’s narrative, offering a critique of the contemporary American “inferno,” where extremist ideologies and cult-like followings dominate public discourse. Through a blend of Americana and bluegrass, Anders and O'Bitz present a poignant commentary on the rise of Trumpism and its parallels with historical injustices, including slavery.
The EP’s lead track, “High on Cult Life,” examines the psychological effects of blind allegiance to charismatic figures, likening it to addiction and setting the stage for a broader exploration of ideological fervor.
Contrapasso delves into the emotional journey of individuals ensnared by extremist ideologies, tracing their experiences from historical roots of fear and anger in “Bells Toll” to the personal disillusionment depicted in “This Haunted Love.” The final tracks explore the theme of betrayal, highlighting the ultimate realization of having sacrificed one’s integrity for a false cause. The EP’s cover art—showing a follower leaping off a cliff while their leader remains safely distant—visually reinforces the theme of misguided devotion and its consequences. As an EP that has been in development for over six years, Contrapasso arrives at a critical moment, offering both a return to the duo’s Americana roots and a timely reflection on contemporary issues.
Obscure Sound: Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz – ‘Contrapasso’ EP
June 6, 2024
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By Mike Mineo
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.A collaborative duo who continue to enthrall since forming 20 years ago, Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz embrace an Americana direction on their new EP Contrapasso.... The result is a riveting collection of songwriting, thematically poignant in its reflections on the dangers of cult-like mentalities and blind allegiance to charismatic leaders
Opening track “High on Cult Life captivates with its escalating vocal presence and plucky guitar work, assembling into a shifty percussive sharpness and “high as the sun,” vocal outpouring; the anthemic heights here are invigorating alongside clap-laden infusions. “Bells Toll” emits a haunting Americana arsenal, with shades of Neil Young in the vocal presence and twangy guitar accompaniments. The debonair, southern-touched flair of “This Haunted Love” ignites a bluesy allure, while “Sold Down the Rivers” incorporates strings within the heartrending array of guitars and evolving vocals for a fantastic send-off.