Albums to watch

Preoccupations

Preoccupations

Preoccupations

Second album from the Calgary post-punks previously known as Viet Cong

ADM rating[?]

7.4

Label
Jagjaguwar
UK Release date
16/09/2016
US Release date
16/09/2016
  1. 10.0 |   Loud And Quiet

    Improbably, Preoccupations are even better and, another dodgy name aside, this is one of the best albums of the year
    Read Review

  2. 9.1 |   Pretty Much Amazing

    The darkness is all very real, ladies and gentlemen; anxiety approaches and monotony kills
    Read Review

  3. 9.0 |   The 405

    A tough, black and resilient modern rock album
    Read Review

  4. 8.5 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    Preoccupations' greatest asset is in its breadth of ability; spontaneous, yet considered; off-kilter, but instinctive; eccentric, although well composed
    Read Review

  5. 8.5 |   Spectrum Culture

    Regardless of what name the band give themselves, the power of their music hasn’t diminished
    Read Review

  6. 8.0 |   State

    This is an evolution rather than a fresh start, but a very worthy one
    Read Review

  7. 8.0 |   PopMatters

    With the new album, the band additionally utilizes melodic and dream-pop elements, forging a complex and multifaceted sound that may well appeal to a wide range of listeners.
    Read Review

  8. 8.0 |   Drowned In Sound

    It is a strange and potent cocktail that only yields anything close to an actual pop song on soaring closer 'Fever'
    Read Review

  9. 8.0 |   The Skinny

    The album is more introspective than its predecessor – and a hell of a lot more visceral
    Read Review

  10. 8.0 |   DIY

    The Canadian group’s second record hits harder, digs deeper and lingers longer than their promising debut
    Read Review

  11. 7.9 |   Pitchfork

    The artists formerly known as Viet Cong return with a harrowing, ferociously alive rock record that nods to Swans and Echo and the Bunnymen
    Read Review

  12. 7.6 |   Earbuddy

    The only emotion that lives in this blasted sonic wasteland is soul crushing depression
    Read Review

  13. 7.5 |   Consequence Of Sound

    Canadian post-punks give a startling document of anxiety on their first post-Viet Cong record
    Read Review

  14. 7.0 |   Slant Magazine

    One of the very few bands who can speak the dead language of Joy Division and make it come alive
    Read Review

  15. 7.0 |   No Ripcord

    A strong follow-up to an excellent debut record
    Read Review

  16. 7.0 |   Exclaim

    Preoccupations are steadying their footing here, both growing up and grounding themselves sonically
    Read Review

  17. 7.0 |   Beardfood

    They’re still just as dark, menacing and distressing
    Read Review

  18. 6.0 |   Q

    Despite some strong material, the relentless gloom gets a little wearing well before the end. Print edition only

  19. 6.0 |   NOW

    Preoccupations don't fully hit their stride until album closer Fever, which sounds a bit like Heroes-era Bowie without coming across as derivative
    Read Review

  20. 6.0 |   The Irish Times

    Propulsive, purposeful, persistent
    Read Review

  21. 5.0 |   The Music

    Some promising adventures in lo-fi audio grime are soured by bottom drawer songwriting and Interpol-wannabe vocals
    Read Review

  22. 5.0 |   Tiny Mix Tapes

    Yes, there’s that familiarly vague sense of unease and disquiet, those serrated guitars, and those industrial-tinged synths and beats, yet everything seems less urgent and consequential, much to the album’s detriment
    Read Review


blog comments powered by Disqus

Watch it

Roll over video for more options

Hear it

Preview & download it

Preoccupations: Preoccupations

  • Download full album for just £7.49
  • 1. Anxiety £0.99
  • 2. Monotony £0.99
  • 3. Zodiac £0.99
  • 4. Memory N/A
  • 5. Degraded £0.99
  • 6. Sense £0.99
  • 7. Forbidden £0.99
  • 8. Stimulation £0.99
  • 9. Fever £0.99
  • Service provided by 7Digital

Latest Reviews

More reviews