Preoccupations Confront the Apocalypse with ‘Ill at Ease’: A Deep Dive into Their New Album
Preoccupations, the post-punk band known for their compelling blend of dissonance and melody, are back with their fifth album, 'Ill at Ease'. But is it all gloom and doom? Far from it. This new record sees the band embracing brighter soundscapes while grappling with the anxieties of modern life, creating a compelling contrast that defines their signature sound.
Formed from the ashes of the beloved indie-rock band Women, Preoccupations, led by Matt Flegel, have spent a decade carving out their unique space in the post-punk landscape. Where Women excelled in uncanny melodies, Preoccupations dived headfirst into dissonance and drone. Now, they're channeling the spirit of their post-punk forebears, creating music that's both confrontational and surprisingly accessible.
According to a recent RANGE interview, Flegel acknowledges the band’s contradictions: “Preoccupations deal in contradictions—they always have… It’s the calling card of most timeless post-punk bands — immaculate aesthetics that are mitigated and warped by torment.”
'Ill at Ease' isn't just another exercise in existential dread. While previous songs like "Anxiety" and "Death" hinted at the band's fascination with dark themes, this album explores mental anguish with a newfound grace and even, at times, jubilation. Consider "Focus," the album’s opening track. It bursts open with frantic energy, a B-52's-style female backing vocal lifting Flegel's gruff delivery to unexpected heights.
Despite delving into lyrical darkness on tracks like "Bastards" – a song about being annoyed by others before realizing the feeling is mutual and uniting in the face of impending doom – the music remains buoyant. As Flegel sings, "I think we're ready for the asteroid," over the invigorating motorik synth-pop.
The band’s busy tour calendar includes stops across the UK, Europe and North America. They stated: “There was a time, when something was always happening, and we were always in trouble. Someone would break something, passports were lost, vans were stolen, you woke up in random places without an idea of how you got there. I applaud today’s concern with safety.”
For those eager to catch Preoccupations live, here are a few key dates:
- May 13, 2025 – London, UK – The Garage
- May 22, 2025 – Montreal, QC – Bar Le Ritz PDB
- May 27, 2025 – Detroit, MI – Lager House
- June 27, 2025 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
'Ill at Ease' finds Preoccupations at their most human. They acknowledge the darkness but refuse to succumb to it, offering a soundtrack for navigating a world inching toward apocalypse. Are you ready to embrace the contradictions and find solace in the face of the unknown?
What are your thoughts on Preoccupations' evolution? Share your opinions in the comments below!