“ERROR!” is the first original work by Bad Request Band, a visceral and emotionally charged EP released in August 2023. After years of performing classics from their influences—ranging from the weight of Grunge and Stoner to the energy of Punk and the depth of Classic Rock—the Rio-based trio, consisting of Yan Pessoa (vocals and bass), Thiago Barradas (guitar), and Raphael Barradas (drums), decided to explore their own narratives and experiences in an original project.
Created during intense jam sessions in the guitarist’s “bedroom-studio” in Campo Grande, West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, the EP embodies the internal and collective struggles of a generation marked by emotional, social, and existential crises. The pandemic served as the catalyst, driving the band to transform feelings of isolation, anxiety, and frustration into dense riffs, sincere lyrics, and captivating sonic atmospheres.
The recording process was a transformative and memorable experience for the band. After finalizing the arrangements for the four tracks, the trio teamed up with renowned producer Celo Oliveira, a prominent figure in Brazil’s underground music scene and a producer for major bands. Recording sessions took place at Celo’s home in a relaxed yet demanding environment. As it was the band’s first studio experience, they absorbed every detail of the process, learning about technique, production, and how to elevate their sound to a higher level. Celo, with his unwavering rigor and sharp sense of humor, spared no constructive criticism. When Thiago felt a guitar take was good, it was common to hear Celo say: “It’s crap, record it again,” or, “Don’t just do it again; do it right.” Between laughter and countless retakes, the band achieved a level of excellence that resulted in a high-quality production.
With four distinct yet complementary tracks, “ERROR!” invites the listener on an intense and introspective journey:
1. System Not Found opens the EP with a visceral punch, an energy-packed track blending heavy riffs and aggressive vocals. It delves into a desperate search for identity and purpose amid urban chaos. A modern, merciless, and instant classic.
2. C.O.M.A. follows with a progressive vibe, alternating between heavy moments and broken, faster rhythms. The track conveys a state of confusion and emotional surrender, with tempo changes reflecting the turbulence of thoughts and repressed emotions.
3. Bad Reasons balances heaviness with melody, constructing a track that has the potential to become an alternative rock hit. With a striking and infectious chorus, the song explores vicious cycles and the reasons that lead us to repeat mistakes. A gripping and engaging track from start to finish.
4. Sometimes closes the EP with a more classic and introspective tone, combining weight with a psychedelic interlude that transports the listener to a timeless space. The track encapsulates the necessary sense of closure for the EP.
The creative process was as organic as it was intense: riffs were born in the heat of rehearsals, captured in low-quality phone recordings, revisited, refined, and brought back to life in long afternoons and evenings of experimentation. During these moments, the band not only created music but also cultivated a space for connection and escape, fueled by coffee, conversations, laughter, and inspirations that expanded the limits of the mind.
“ERROR!” is more than an EP; it is a manifesto of reinvention, a testament to Rock’s ability to adapt and find relevance in an increasingly fragmented world. Heavy, modern, and introspective, this work is proof that Rock is a profound art form and that from confusion and chaos, creations can emerge that speak directly to the soul.