Born out of loss, fractured by controversy, Preoccupations has a track record that implies pure chaos. Which is why it’s rather curious that, despite the universe relentlessly pulling on their seams the way that it has, the Calgary post-punk quartet has somehow ended up with one of year’s most cohesive records. How, exactly? Well, for one thing, there are no traditional rock stars in the band. No big personalities fighting for space. On Preoccupations, every member of the group contributes equally throughout, and with a persistent modesty. So much so, in fact, that when Dan Boeckner shows up on “Memory”—an eleven-minute single (!)—he inadvertently betrays his fellow Canadians by stealing the show, if only for just a few verses. That standout moment ultimately serves the band, however, as it takes you out of your trance for long enough to be reminded that this music is still the work of people, after all—and not some goth supercomputer, like it sometimes sounds. This year, as the forces of nature continued to push against Preoccupations, Preoccupations continued to push back.
Releasing their debut self-titled album back in September, Preoccupations (fka Viet Cong) now share their Kevan Funk-directed video for the 11-minute-plus track ‘Memory’.
Watch Preoccupations’ Mike Wallace get trapped in the dystopian journey – while showing off his drumming skills
Preoccupations – “Memory” from ‘Preoccupations’ out September 16, 2016 on Jagjaguwar Records
The Fat Angel Sings 