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Preoccupations
by
Preoccupations Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 36 Ratings

  • Summary: The Canadian post-punk previously known as known as Viet Cong return with a new name and a new album produced by Graham Walsh.
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Top Track

Memory
Necessary but against your better judgment You were being overcharged in the market square Overwhelmed and it's coming from all angles You were... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Pretty Much Amazing
    Sep 9, 2016
    91
    Truthfully, every song is a goodie, except “Sense”, which is a minute of breathing room which won’t kill you to listen to.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 9, 2016
    85
    The truth is, it is both cultured Tibetan Singing Bowls and DIY damp finger on wine glass and all the richer for it.
  3. Uncut
    Sep 9, 2016
    80
    The songs benefit from a sharper focus than the quartet ever achieved before. [Oct 2016, p.37]
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  4. AllMusic
    Oct 4, 2016
    80
    Preoccupations is a more coherent, more accessible set of songs that proves this band doesn't need an edgy name to attract the attention they deserve.
  5. Pitchfork
    Sep 19, 2016
    79
    There’s a tense, nervous energy running through all the tracks, which connect to each other like wires that spark electrical currents when they meet.
  6. No Ripcord
    Sep 20, 2016
    70
    Preoccupations is a strong follow-up to an excellent debut record. It showcases a band that is evolving and finding new ways to stretch out their sound.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Sep 15, 2016
    50
    It may be more accomplished and accessible than its forebear, yet it mostly comes across as a tad inconsequential, running through one nice song to the next without ever really being anything more than “nice.”

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Cazi
    Sep 23, 2016
    10
    This little gem has appeared out of nowhere it seems! The thing that really struck me about this album was the intricate little sounds thatThis little gem has appeared out of nowhere it seems! The thing that really struck me about this album was the intricate little sounds that would flicker in and out, this album does have an element of drone music which admittedly i've never been a fan of both those little sounds kept me on my toes. Overall though it's just a really nice record with some great songs, Anxiety is one of my favourite songs this year with some really great layering going on. Memory is the absolute masterwork of this album however, coming in at 11 minutes the band uses up that time brilliantly with a nice switch up half way through and then finishing it off with some very dreamy ambiance. One of the best albums this year, definitely check it out if you're on the fence!… Expand
  2. Stanjohncleaner
    May 11, 2020
    10
    Anxiety alone makes this 5 above average. Anxiety alone makes this 5 above average. Anxiety alone makes this 5 above average. Anxiety aloneAnxiety alone makes this 5 above average. Anxiety alone makes this 5 above average. Anxiety alone makes this 5 above average. Anxiety alone makes this 5 above average… Expand
  4. molecular
    Oct 14, 2016
    9
    Fantastic effort. Still fascinatingly gloomy sound but cleaned up for the better here compared to Viet Cong. If you like Joy Division this isFantastic effort. Still fascinatingly gloomy sound but cleaned up for the better here compared to Viet Cong. If you like Joy Division this is probably the best your going to get.… Expand
  5. jaspy77
    Apr 19, 2018
    9
    I really love this album. It has great songs, an amazing voice, and hits. A great album that will not disappoint anyone.

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