In a musical partnership that has officially spanned 20 years, Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz have explored a variety of genres and formats, but their roots are firmly planted in folk and Americana. With their latest EP, Contrapasso, the duo has become even more entrenched in that Americana sound. By enlisting a number of partner musicians, Anders and O’Bitz have effectively created a rich bluegrass band, infusing their music with a depth and authenticity that reflects the folk tradition.
Eric Anders began his music career in the early 2000s, releasing three solo albums and collaborating with Mark O’Bitz on several projects. Their song “So Wrong” was featured in the film Man in the Chair, and “Big World Abide” was used in TV shows Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden and Dirt.
The duo’s critically acclaimed albums include Of All These Things (2018) and Ghosts To Ancestors (2019). Eric has redesigned their website, www.AndersObitz.com, to focus on their music, featuring playlists of their best and politically-themed songs.
The “band” on Contrapasso is primarily a trio, featuring the duo’s friend and multi-talented multi-instrumentalist Mike Butler. Butler, who has collaborated with Anders and O’Bitz on numerous recent projects, shines on this EP, showcasing his extensive abilities on various folk instruments. Butler also took on the roles of producer and mixer for Contrapasso, and his sharp ear has elevated the work to the next level.
John O’Reilly Jr., another long-time collaborator, contributes his drumming skills to all the tracks on Contrapasso. Fans may notice, however, that Mark O’Bitz doesn’t actually play any instruments on this EP. While this might seem surprising, there’s no need for concern. O’Bitz’s presence is felt through his writing and composition, with his unmistakable tone and complex arrangements permeating the entire EP.
The title “Contrapasso” (or “contrappasso” in Italian) is derived from the Latin words “contra” and “patior,” meaning “suffer the opposite.” In Dante’s Inferno and Purgatorio, contrapasso refers to the punishment of souls by a process that either resembles or contrasts with the sin itself. Eric Anders chose this name for the EP because the songs critique the American “inferno” of today, where many Americans are either enslaved or oppressed by the absurd beliefs of a racist and cultish minority.
Contrapasso is both a concept and a political piece, with its Americana roots extending beyond the music into its thematic content. In the tradition of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Tom Waits, this EP serves as a commentary on contemporary issues, particularly the dangerous cult mentality prevalent in the United States. The lead track, “High on Cult Life,” delves into the psychology of blindly following a charismatic leader, likening it to drug addiction.
The other tracks trace the soul journey of these “followers.” Starting with “Bells Toll,” which addresses the roots of fear and misplaced anger in the South’s sordid history of slavery, to “This Haunted Love,” which explores how the lack of love and personal connection leads to idolatry, and finally to the denouement of betrayal when followers realize they’ve sold their souls to someone who lacks one. The journey depicted in these songs reflects the confusion of fear and hate with righteousness. The irony is thick throughout, as many people use religion and the threat of hell to justify their hatred, only to face their own contrapasso in the end.
The album art for Contrapasso poignantly reinforces the EP’s message, depicting a follower hurling themselves off a cliff into the sea like a proverbial lemming while their “leader” looks on, safe and dry. It’s a stark statement that demands attention, offering an important lesson for many who may never hear it. The rich folk layering showcases the mastery of Anders and O’Bitz’s writing and perfectly complements the dire concept they’ve created.
Throughout the course of their careers, Anders and O’Bitz level up with ever new release, and the same is true with Contrapasso. An EP more than six years in the making, it has come together at a critical time, offering necessary counter-commentary from artists who are willing to speak truth to power.
https://www.andersobitz.com/
Nadia Elkharadly
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