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

knotty-yet-breakneck post-punk numbers, the ones where Flegel’s bass and Mike Wallace’s dexterous drumming throw a song headlong into the rush of Scott Munro and Daniel Christiansen’s interlocking-then-cascading guitar arpeggios or synth strikes - Stereogum

It sounds like a trip back to the original goth/post-punk era, with all the evil and fury and none of the new wave shine. It’s a great way to kick the album off - Brooklyn Vegan

Placed in the middle of the record is the 11-minute “Memory”. Conventionally, a track like this might be saved for the end of a record. Putting something so massive at a record’s center speaks to Preoccupations’ bold spirit and manic energy, a centerpiece from which every other track sprouts. - Consequence of Sound

The album closer “Fever” achieves instant-classic status, sounding as close to Billy Idol as it does Joy Division. Its synth riffs evoke baroque romance—as captivating as it is spooky. - Flood Magazine

Preoccupations is a Canadian post-punk band from Calgary, Alberta, formed in 2012 under the name Viet Cong. The band consists of Matt Flegel (vocals, bass), Scott Munro (guitar, synth), Daniel Christiansen (guitar) and Mike Wallace (drums). Flegel and Wallace had previously been members of the band Women, which broke up in 2010. The group's musical style has been described as "labyrinthine post-punk.”

FOLLOW PREOCCUPATIONS

BANDCAMP / INSTAGRAM / SPOTIFY / FACEBOOK / WEBSITE

Preoccupations - Ill At Ease Hoodie