Preoccupations
Preoccupations is the band formerly known as Viet Cong, so if you know them or their previous band Women then you've already got a ballpark approximation of Preoccupations' sound in your head. Alternately feedbacky or shimmery guitar, blown out synth, distorted bass, pounding drums, etc and there's a similar focus on incorporating ambient passages between sections of more traditional songwriting. The vocals from Women to Viet Cong to Preoccupations have continually deepened, with this album prominently featuring Matt Flegel's baritone, which pairs surprisingly well with Wolf Parade's Dan Boeckner in a duet of sorts on "Memory". The album lacks the hooks that lead to immediate standouts on previous records, but further listens reveal the albums staying power. Amidst the oppressive atmosphere on display, you'll find intriguing depths to their music.