The first release under the name Preoccupations (formerly Viet Cong) sees the Canadian post punk quartet dial in on a newfound sonic identity. Where angular guitar streaks were massaged with beaming synth lines in their 2015 debut, ‘80s-era synth hooks and overarching melodies now take pole position in Preoccupations.
Viet Cong only became Preoccupations a few months ago. The public criticism and controversy surrounding the name’s origin was becoming a barrier for the band. It was during the name choosing process that each member moved to a different city; the backdrop to recording Preoccupations was one of uncertainty and irregularity. But for the musically adept Preoccupations, this state of flux provided the band with a clean slate – most tellingly, from the sound of Flegel and Wallace’s former band, Women. So in Preoccupations we hear the work of a band that has hit the restart button, building and reworking songs from the ground up.
Opening track Anxiety is wrapped in an uneasiness and murkiness. The croakiness of Flegel’s voice is stark and tense. Belying the tension of the song, however, is a brighter synth line suggesting there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Zodiac is where the band’s stylistic change starts to take shape, as the track kicks of with a pumping ‘80s dance-era synth. It only takes the next track, Memory, for this new musical direction to truly crystallise. Midway through its 11-minute runtime the song spins into an upbeat, dance-demanding groove. There’s glistening synth, a melodic and punchy as hell bassline from Flegel, and emotive vocal glances. It’s as anthemic as we’ve heard Preoccupations, while staying true to the band’s uncanny knack for creating intricate instrumental textures.
With only nine songs on the album, each needed to be treated sacrosanct, treasured and cherished. For the most part, Preoccupations have made every moment of their second LP count. The payoff is huge.
BY CHRIS SCOTT
