Formed in Medway, Kent in 2011, Tape Error began as a duo of Chris Austin (guitar and vocals) and Matt Bell (bass), later expanding to a four-piece with Stan Read on drums and David Hughes on guitar. Centred on Austin’s songwriting, the band’s material was often described as “nightmare lullabies” — intimate, unsettling and quietly haunting.
At their core, Tape Error embraced a lo-fi, home-recorded approach. Acoustic and unpolished, their sound was shaped by layered vocal harmonies and minimalist drum recordings, often captured with a single microphone. The result was music that felt immediate, raw, and deeply personal.
Their debut EP, Perfect Conditions for a Cure (2013), introduced their distinctive style to audiences across London and the Medway towns. As the band prepared for a full album, tragedy struck: Chris Austin passed away, just one day after discovering he had cancer. Known locally as “Afro Chris” for his wild black hair, he had previously played with artists including Kid Harpoon and Lupen Crook, and formed bands such as Hospital Bombers and Burn Paper Tigers, honing his songwriting and creative voice.
Although Tape Error disbanded after his death, Chris’s music endured. A new generation of listeners discovered the band through their debut EP and the handful of YouTube videos he created for tracks including Murderfires, Red Skies, Frames, and Telescopes.
In 2023, on the 10th anniversary of Chris’s passing, Tape Error’s self-titled debut album was finally released. Featuring previously unheard tracks and artwork by Stan Read, the album stands as a testament to Chris Austin’s rare talent and the enduring impact of his music.
Tape Error’s work remains a portrait of honesty, vulnerability, and creative brilliance — a lasting legacy from one of Medway’s most compelling bands.
