★★★☆
The first release under the name Preoccupations (the band FKA Viet Cong) sees the Canadian post-punk quartet dial in on a newfound sonic identity.
While 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.
Opening track ‘Anxiety’ is wrapped in an uneasiness and murkiness, and the croakiness of the vocals prove stark and tense.
‘Zodiac’ is where the band’s stylistic change starts to take shape, as the track kicks of with pumping dance-era synth. It only takes the next tune ‘Memory’, for this new musical direction to truly crystallise: the song rapidly 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 a truly anthemic track, and it punches upwards while staying true to the band’s uncanny knack for creating intricate instrumental textures.
With only nine songs on the album, each needs to be treated as sacrosanct; treasured and cherished. For the most part, Preoccupations have made every moment of their second LP count. The payoff is huge.
Preoccupations self-titled release is out now viaJagjaguwar/Inertia.
