Name: Preoccupations
Brand: Preoccupations

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

jag290lp-c1

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Limited Coloured Vinyl with Download.

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Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2016-09-16

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

PIAS

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0656605229034

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

jag290cd

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0656605229027

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1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

jag290lp

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Black

Download code: Yes

2020-04-17

0656605229010

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1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Preoccupations

Genre GB

Alternative / Modern

Label GB

Jagjaguwar

Jagjaguwar is an American independent label based in Bloomington, IN. Founded in Charlottesville, VA in 1996 by Darius Van Arman, the label was invited to relocate to Bloomington by Jason Noble of Rodan. Darius followed this invitation in 1999 and has since built a reputation for releasing exceptional music.
With a focus on promoting talented artists across various genres, Jagjaguwar has become known for its diverse roster and commitment to supporting independent music. The label's catalog includes releases from acclaimed acts such as Bon Iver, Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
As a trusted name in the industry, Jagjaguwar continues to champion innovative and boundary-pushing music. With their dedication to quality and artistic integrity, they have established themselves as a go-to destination for music lovers seeking unique sounds and fresh perspectives.

Preoccupations is a Canadian post-punk band hailing from Calgary, Alberta. Originally known as Viet Cong, the band was formed in 2012 and consists of Matt Flegel, Scott Munro, Daniel Christiansen, and Mike Wallace.
With their unique blend of atmospheric soundscapes and intense energy, Preoccupations have garnered a dedicated following within the post-punk scene. Their music explores themes of existentialism and introspection, creating a thought-provoking experience for listeners.
Known for their captivating live performances, Preoccupations have toured extensively across North America and Europe. They have released several critically acclaimed albums that showcase their evolution as musicians and songwriters. With each release, they continue to push boundaries and challenge musical conventions.

Canadian post-punks Viet Cong have changed their name to Preoccupations and now release a new album. This time, they walked into the studio with the gas gauge near empty, buoyed by one another while the rest of their lives were virtually unrecognizable and rootless. There was no central theme or idea to guide the band's collective cliff jump. 

As a result, 'Preoccupations' bears the visceral, personal sound of holding onto some steadiness in the midst of changing everything. Opener 'Anxiety' articulates tension: clattering sounds drift into focus, bouncing and echoing off one another until one bone-shattering moment when the full band strikes at once, moving from something untouchable to get to something deeply felt. 'Monotony' moves at a narcoleptic pace by Preoccupations' standards, but snaps to attention to make its point, that "this repetition's killing you // it's killing everyone." 'Stimulation' opens with a snarl and hurls itself forward at what feels like a million bpm, pausing for one mortal moment of relief before barreling onward. 'Degraded' surprises, with something like a traditional structure and an almost pop-leaning melody to its chorus, twisting the bigness of Preoccupations' music to sideswipe the clear, finite smallness of its subjects and events. 

And the 11-minute-long 'Memory' is the album's keystone, with an intimate narrative and a truly timeless post-punk center. There's love piercing through the iciness here, fighting its way forward in each of the song's distinct sections. As always, there is something crystalline to what they've made, a blast of cold air in a burning hot place. All this adds up to 'Preoccupations': a singular, bracing collection that proves what's punishing can also be soothing, everything can change without disrupting your compass. Your best year can be your worst year at the same time. Whatever sends you flying can also help you land.

Music GB

Buy Preoccupations - Preoccupations (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.