On 7 February 2024, Long Distance Calling crowned their 2022 masterpiece Eraser with the largest headlining show of their career at the Lichtburg cinema in Essen, Germany. Performing six songs from the album while also exploring parts of their back catalogue alongside guest musicians, the band delivered a grand, ambitious performance that further cemented their mammoth presence within the eclectic German music scene — nearly 20 years into their career.

The album opens strongly with the same three tracks that begin Eraser, which in itself sends a clear message: the band fully stand behind their newest material. This is not a “greatest hits” jukebox performance — Long Distance Calling have something to say, and they are here to share it.

The release is available on vinyl, with additional bonus tracks included on the CD/Blu-ray. The inclusion of guest musicians adds an interesting dimension to the live performance and introduces a welcome variety — something that can be challenging for an instrumental band performing for over 90 minutes. However, Long Distance Calling have mastered their craft well enough that the set never feels long or overstretched.

My only criticism regarding the additional musicians is that I did not feel their contribution was as impactful as what can be heard on Eraser. I particularly loved the brass arrangements on the studio version, and in the live mix they did not come across as distinctly. That said, what I love most about live albums is precisely their rawness. Yes — you could say I’m contradicting myself — and you would probably be right. But this is exactly why both experiences matter: listening to the album and seeing the band live serve different purposes, and both are essential.

Following the initial Eraser segment, the band perform two tracks from their 2020 album How Do We Want To Live. With “Hazard” (watch the track here), they remind us that they are no less powerful when performing as a four-piece. I particularly enjoy the spoken-word section, which feels even more relevant today than it did in 2020 — or even in 2024, when it was performed:

“If an A.I. possessed any one of these skills / Social abilities / Technological development / Economic ability / At a superhuman level / It is quite likely / That it would quickly come to dominate our world”

Quite unsettling, isn’t it?

The title track “Eraser” stands out as one of the strongest moments of the album. The bass tone is an absolute banger, delivering a powerful opening before transitioning into a more delicate ending — an excellent bridge into the next phase of the set, which dives back into the band’s earlier catalogue with two songs from their 2010 album. (and even four songs on the Blu-ray version)

One of the most striking moments of the live album is “Black Paper Planes”. It’s no surprise that this song played a major role in taking the band to where they are today. Its dynamics and expansive soundscapes bloom beautifully, carrying an impressive emotional weight. But beyond that, it’s obvious that the live moment itself was something special — there is a depth to that moment that can’t be explained, and that’s exactly what I love about live music.

This is the kind of song you experience in a live setting and immediately think: this moment cannot be reproduced. Credit must be given to the band — they probably play this song at almost every one of their live sets, yet it remains heartfelt, organic, and deeply alive.

As the album reaches its conclusion and explores older material, I was struck by how Eraser feels rawer and fiercer than much of the band’s earlier work, carrying a touch more anger and urgency. After many years of making music, it feels natural to become more direct in the messages you wish to convey. Eraser revolves around themes of animal protection — a powerful subject that can be uncomfortable at times. It’s not exactly dinner-table conversation and can easily provoke division. That said, this is simply my own reading, and I may well be off the mark, but I feel there’s more angst in that album — or at least in that section of the live show.

Ending the album with “Metulsky Curse” in its revisited form feels particularly meaningful. As the only track from their debut album — and previously reworked for their 2019 Hamburg live release — it serves as a clear nod to their roots. With the band approaching their 20th anniversary, this choice feels intentional. You can even hear minor imperfections in the performance, but that seems entirely deliberate. They didn’t want it slick or flawless — they wanted it real.

What you hear is who they are.