Calgarian siblings Patrick and Matt Flegel reformed creatively after their indie-rock band Women dissolved in 2012. Patrick's Cindy Lee project contrasts with Matt's Preoccupations, the latter evolving through layers reminiscent of '80s post-punk. Their fifth album combines mental anguish with unexpectedly bright elements, showcasing a dualism between bleak lyrics and buoyant tunes. Notably, the opening cut features an ominous yet exciting door-knocking sound, signifying a blend of light and darkness. The album explores themes of impending despair while also highlighting moments of joy and celebration.
Preoccupations' fifth album reaffirms what '80s kids raised on the Psychedelic Furs, Echo and the Bunnymen internalized long ago: Post-punk is pop music.
This time, Preoccupations express mental anguish and world-weary fatalism with more graceful gestures and, at times, genuine jubilation.
While the gate-crashing rhythm matches the distressed tenor of Flegel's lyrics, the mood is brightened considerably by a buoyant chorus hook.
As Flegel's words turn bleaker, the album's mood turns brighter.
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