2008 Lion Music

Led by Electric Outlet’s axeman Marcus Nepomus Deml, Errorhead blends the blues rock approach with a metallic edge, further showing the guitarist’s ever growing versatility, having played multiple sessions for an array or rock artists. Nevertheless the record is a band effort, but it’s the Stratocaster that does most of the shining. But don’t listen to this record as another SRV clone, although there is major influence, Modern Hippie is a melodic, song-oriented record that is multifaceted with Deml’s diverse styling throughout.

His expressive playing and delivery compliments his tone, where he executes a hard driving R&B groove on “Connected,” funkified glory with “Watch my Cloud,” and even going into prog-metal mode on “Bhangra Baby,” giving the record it’s upbeat momentum. But he does not shy away from experimental approaches that he at times is known for, whether it’s incorporating ambient beats on “We Came in Peace” or jazzing things up with “Tata,” Deml arranges everything with cool sophistication. Of course there are emotional moments which includes the laid back “Follow Your Dream,” featuring electric soloing above fretless bass and acoustic rhythm and the Satriani-esque ballad “Temporay Impression,” so the man knows how to convey great songs with an axe.

Along with bassist Frank Itt, drummer Zacky Tsoukas, guest keyboardist Tom Aeschbacher, and vocalist Robbie Smith (this is not an all instrumental record), this album has a very tight feel to it. Like The Dan Reed Network, Animal Bag, Richie Kotzen, and Glenn Hughes’ funk material, Modern Hippie expresses the soulful side of hard rock. – For those who have been longing for a great blues-rock record to surface, the wait is over.

CLICK HERE to Read a Review of Electric Outlet's On!

Added: Feruary 2nd 2008
Reviewer: Tommy Hash
Score:

 

Error Head - Modern Hippie (Lion Music) By: Joe Florez www.live4metal.com The man behind this band is an apparent in demand guitarist who has been on countless releases that goes by the name of Marcus Deml from Germany. Having no clue what I was in for, I simply had to pop this in. Hot damn, now this is what I like. This isn’t metal by any means, but more funky and hard rockin’ jams that has a 60’s and 70’s flair modernized for today’s society. “Connected” wastes no time getting down with the groove laden riffing that is infectious as hell and high impact drumming along with the thumpin’ bass licks. It has a Glenn Hughes vibe, especially when Marcus hits those high screams. This is energetic music that is filled with positive vibes and would be a good track to listen to as you try to wake up on a Monday morning when you don’t want to get up out of bed and drag your way to work. “For My Brothers” throws down some serious blues licks into the mix. Some keyboard work manages to make its way into the song, but never dominates and it actually quite subtle. This is amplified music that will lift your spirits. Amidst all the liveliness that this man brings track after track, we finally slow down a bit with “Northern Lights.” This isn’t some sappy and cheesy instrumental ballad. There is some electronic programming, but this one simply calms you down for a few before things go back to high energy again. The music has a nice flow on here and wherever it takes you, you can bet it’s well worth the audio trip. There is no shortage of talent or originality here as this will put a smile on your face for hours to come. Despite some spoken ramblings on some of the tracks, it’s mostly vocal free and it doesn’t bore. That is a task that is very hard to accomplish nowadays since everyone is fascinated with showing off their chops instead of playing with their heart. Everyone on here is the real deal and it shows. This is definitely something you should pop in when you feel down. It will lift you up for sure. Whether you are looking for something spiritual, happy or melodic this is it. Nevrmind the quirky band name and title. There is nothing hippyish on here, ala stuff you heard from the Woodstock festival circa 1969. This is fresh and vibrant music packed with rich sounds. www.lionmusic.com | www.errorhead.com

ERRORHEAD - Modern Hippie Lion Music Metal Express Rating: 9.0/10 Release Date: Out in 18 days by: GEORGE FUSTOS Email: george(at)metalexpressradio(dot)com   How many have ever heard of ErrorHead or even better yet, Marcus Deml? Think of a Hendrix/Beck type of guitarist meeting Pink Floyd. Think of a musician with the virtuosic properties of a rare combination of many of the world’s finest guitarists and then you can begin to understand the evolution of a Marcus Deml. Perhaps a new find for some, Marcus is one of the world’s leading session musicians. “In 2005, Guitar Player magazine recognized Marcus as one of the Top 3 Guitar Heroes and invited him to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland where Steve Lukather and Joe Satriani presented him the award.” Born in the Czech Republic in 1967, Marcus ended up in Germany two years later. In 1986 he moved to Hollywood to attend the famous Musicians Institute where he studied among some great players. Practicing up to 12 hours a day for the next two years and impressing just about everyone he came in contact with, he was asked to join the faculty in 1988. However, being unable to secure a permanent work permit/visa in the USA he decided to return to Europe in 1993, even though he had several work offers as a session and touring guitarist. While in the States, Marcus played the L.A. club scene for five years. Returning to Europe he began working on a new project. After its release in 1994, he made his live debut at the Montreux Jazz Festival. The rest is history as they say. Being a high-demand studio player, he did around 300 sessions as a guitarist over a 10-12 year span. From '94 - '06 he has worked on or recorded 33 albums. In 1995 he started to work on a solo project that later became ErrorHead. ErrorHead came to fruition due to the fact that Marcus wanted more artistic control over his work. ErrorHead’s discography is as follows: Errorhead (’98), Errorrhythm (’04), Electric Outlet: On (’06), and now Modern Hippie (’08). Don’t let the title of this new release fool or confuse you. It takes a late 60’s early 70’s sound and transforms it in time to fit in with today’s complicated mix of genres. One never knows what to expect from a Deml release except that it will contain some of the best guitar work you will ever hear. His latest band consists of bass legend Frank Itt, drummer Zacky Tsoukas, and vocalist Robbie Smith. Additional musicians on the new CD are keyboardist Tom Aeschbacher and backup vocalist Melanie Stahlkopf. It was recorded at Marcus’s own recording studio, the “Electric Lion” in Hamburg, Germany. There are 13 tracks on and runs for 41:34. Three short tracks, “That’s Good,” “Dave,” and “Yeah Man” have Deml goofing off or otherwise laying down a few quick riffs. Some of the tracks have vocals or spoken ramblings; some don’t. For the most part the CD is vocal free or kept to a minimum. The beginning of “Connected” has you thinking a Hendrix CD got into your player by mistake. When the band kicks it, you are inclined to think a Johnny Lang/Kenny Wayne Shepherd CD sounding like King’s X transformed itself onto the Hendrix CD. Then Marcus takes over and right away things seem to make sense once again. The previously mentioned ramblings are clearly evident on “For My Brothers.” Suffice to just say this one has a very interesting beginning to it. It also has a Funk/Blues/Motown/Rock sound to it. The bottom line is this track rocks and Deml’s flair turns the song into its own entity. “Temporary Impression” starts off with a beautiful Deml melody with equally impressive bass, keys, and drums. This turns into a very nice song that showcases Deml’s originality and unique sound that he is more than aptly capable of producing at a moment's notice. This is another highlight on the CD and maybe one of the strongest of the bunch. “Watch My Cloud” is quite a change. It’s almost as if “shrooms” or “acid” are somehow intended to be part of the equation. “Northern Lights” is another impressive instrumental with great changes throughout - wonderful orchestration. “Heaven” is a slower tempo Funk/Rock/Blues/Techno-sounding tune. Deml’s great guitar work makes this a better track than it would have been otherwise. “Bhangra Baby” has a Middle Eastern/Indian sound right from the start. Don’t be tempted to fast forward to the next track -- it will be a great injustice. Marcus lays down some of his heaviest guitar work on this one. This line-up can take and make a song into something its not or would be expected otherwise. This will turn into a quick favorite. “We Came In Peace” tries to make a statement for the betterment of the human race. The title says it all -- a good listen. Another real nice listen is “Follow Your Dreams.” This track has Marcus overdubbing his acoustic play with his electric work. “Tata” is one that doesn’t really fit with the rest of the CD. It could have easily been left out and nobody would have noticed. More info at: Record Label: www.LionMusic.com Official Band Site: www.ErrorHead.com Deml’s MySpace Site: www.MySpace.com/MarcusDem

ERRORHEAD Modern Hippie © 2008 Lion Music  (LMC229) rock studio album 13 tracks - TT 41:00 release date: March 14, 2008 http://www.errorhead.com http://www.lionmusic.com   Errorhead is a trio that is built around the fret gymnastics of Marcus Deml on his favorite Fender Strat. And although Mister Deml may be a noble unknown to many of you he can be found in the small print of many a record as a session musician. Check ‘Twilight Cruiser’ & ‘Master Seven’ of Kingdome Come, Bobby Kimball’s ‘Rise Up’ or ‘Time For Truth’ of Simon Collins (yes, the son of…) and you will find mister Deml, who is not easily put into a box when it comes to genres or influences, handled guitar duties on said albums On this record jazz, blues, prog, ambient & just plain rock go easily hand in hand. One world, one style, as it were… Note that this is by no means an all instrumental album (check out the ballad ‘Heaven’ & the funky ‘Watch My Cloud’ as proof). You will also no doubt hear that Mister Satriani is never far away in songs like ‘Temporary Impression’ & ‘Follow Your Dream’. Cool vibes, cool album, one that fits in nicely with my summer plans… (KVK) www.rockreport.be