In mid-2023, the Upstate New York indie-rock quartet E.R.I.E. released their second full album, Suburban Mayhem. The record was a delight; a rocking, compelling contemplation of this insanity we’ve been calling the 21st century. Now, one year later, they have released a re-imagined version of this record, an all-acoustic EP featuring six of the original twelve songs.
These “tranquility” versions notably feature a variety of artists, some returning from the original version such as up-and-coming pop artist Sydney Worthley, to new guests like Lauren Foster, the wife of the frontman, now proving her talent in her own right.
While these versions are acoustic, that doesn’t mean they are stripped down to lyrics and a backing guitar, though that would have been equally as excellent. Instead, each track has been completely rearranged with a focus on piano, strings, and masterful dynamics, bringing the emotional core of each song to light. ‘Long Way Around’ is especially stunning in this iteration, as what was once a pounding protest song has become a haunting melody of checking our consciences in a world that can feel morally blind. The vocals are muted, as if lead singer TJ Foster is singing to us from outside the glass looking in on the chaos, while a programmed drum track provides the ghostly heartbeat.
The addition of female vocalists on several songs—Julia Alsarraf, Lauren Foster, Caity Gallagher—and the return of Sydney Worthley adds another element to the new versions. Each singer adds a warm, soft light to Foster’s deeper tone, adding what feels like hope to songs that all contain a shadow of darkness. Not only that, but it’s a celebration of local music, showcasing community at its best—even more meaningful in the context of these brutally honest tunes.
Regardless of whether mayhem or tranquility is more your vibe, this record and its predecessor are both fantastic listens. Truthful lyrics that shone through crunchy guitars now guide softer strings, yet none of the realness is softened—and that’s what makes this record so special.
Listen to Suburban Tranquility here or check out the original record, Suburban Mayhem, here.
