The renaming of the band formerly known as Viet Cong was, depending on your opinion, either a fuss about nothing or something they dragged their heels over and should’ve sorted out ages ago. I love the gravity of this record. The vocals are stern and low-register, the bass is urgent and pressing, and the song titles (Anxiety, Degraded, Forbidden) aren’t exactly a laugh-a-minute, but this is fine doom-laden post-punk.
It’s a somber tone with which to begin proceedings but Preoccupations (Formerly known as Viet Cong) are an uncompromising band – from the outset, they’re only interested in realising their own vision, following their own individual path. They do say you only get one chance to make a first impression but here, on their second self-titled album, they’ve somehow rubbished the rules of one of the oldest proverbs around.
Songs generally take a more structured ‘verse and chorus’ approach than on the eponymous Viet Cong album from last year. Saying that, the 11-minute ‘Memory’ is quite an epic, rolling what could be two or three songs into one. It’s synth-driven section somewhere in the middle is a real magic moment on the record, as Matt Flegel’s vocals suddenly turn unexpectedly high-pitched.
The fresh start may have been forced on them, It has been a big year for Preoccupations. Between a name change, and relentless touring, and a new album, the Calgary natives have found ways to remain in the indie rock spotlight. Their last two albums received glowing reviews, while stoking controversy for their previous moniker, Viet Cong. With a new name, the Preoccupations self-titled album is a third attempt at a first impression, and it is receiving outstanding reviews.
Despite the heavier explorations on Preoccupations’ new album, I am surprised by the friendly and easygoing voice on the other side of the phone. Scott “Monty” Munro has been the guitarist-keyboardist for Preoccupations since the band’s formation in 2012. I spoke with him about the new album, the band’s endless gigging, their creative processes, and future endeavors
Preoccupations – “Memory” from ‘Preoccupations’ out September 16th, 2016 on Jagjaguwar Records
A dour start it may be but “you can’t feel happy every day”, so the line in “Zodiac” goes, as the pace steps up another notch. Motoric pulses agitate, a wide bass line booms bombastically and guitars robotically chime with millisecond precision.
As a genre, post punk might be decades old but it’s not necessarily a tired one. Every now and again a band comes to attention to reawaken the genre with as much vibrant urgency, as it’s late-70s inception. Post punk still has the potential to make a rare exception and deliver originality because at its essence is a delicate balance of ingredients for forward thinking, alternative music – the positive yin: a no-wave artistry, in constant search of innovative, fresh sounds and the negative yang: a punk rock, rebellious attitude that operates outside of convention.
The balance continues: Preoccupations is not just a record of harsh bangs and explosive moments. It is equally a subtly nuanced album, with considered composition just as important a part of the process. The record ebbs and flows from one movement to the next with thoughtful progression.
The most powerful of progressions comes four tracks in, with a reminiscent twist. If “Memory” serves us correctly, a Joy Division-esque, half-spoken chant gives way to a choked-with-emotion New Orderish wail. It’s Preoccupations’ own rose-tinted, post punk documentary of the developments from 1977-82 in under seven minutes and suddenly we’re uplifted – ears are pricking up, parties are starting up and revelers are coming up. The album thankfully then affords us a well-needed few minutes of soundscape relaxation, to allow us all time to collect our thoughts before picking up the beat once more.
With a conciliatory tone and a shrug of the shoulders, Flagal reminds us that “we’re all gonna die”, as desperate guitar sirens ring out their warnings. With “Stimulation” we are able to reach our peak and finalise this record as a shining example, that great post punk is still a possibility nearly four decades on from its beginings.
Preoccupations’ greatest asset is in its breadth of ability; spontaneous, yet considered; off-kilter, but instinctive; eccentric, although well composed. The artists formerly known as Viet Cong are releasing their first new album under their new name. The also self-titled album features their singles “Anxiety” and “Degraded.”
“Degraded” from ‘Preoccupations’ out September 16th, 2016 on Jagjaguwar Records
