The Presets - Pacifica (17/10/2012)
After the dizzying heights The Presets reached with their chart-topping sophomore release, Apocalypso, they decided to take some time out to reassess their career. And after a four year wait, they have announced their much anticipated return with new album Pacifica.
The ten track release sees the group taking a radically different approach this time and exploring new territories. It explores both the darkness and light in a world of synth-laden tunes. Produced by the leading duo of Kim Moyes (drums, keyboards) and Julian Hamilton (vocals, synths), Pacifica is a challenging record at times but ultimately sees the pair triumph.
The album begins with the engaging single Youth in Trouble. A departure from the usual sound we’ve come to expect from The Presets, it features a pounding fast synth beat which seems as though it will build up to a massive drop but ultimately leaves the listener disappointed until the ending pounding climatic chorus. New single Ghosts opens up anther drastically different direction, but this one is a masterstroke. The sea shanty travels along with a synth underneath sounding very similar to Apocalypso track Aeons. The soaring vocals of Hamilton sound fantastic, with the backing Ohhh vocals the perfect fit.
Promises sounds exactly like the next Passion Pit single with its blissful synths and tinkling piano and Push is reminiscent of a dirty European club tune. Pacifica shapes a difficult record, one with numerous influences from 80’s electro to Crystal Castles to mid 90’s acid rave. However as a whole record it works, the contrasting tracks meshing together to create a lush and deep record full of surprises. A.O. sees Hamilton making no effort to hide his thick Australian accent in a welcome change; his vocals can become tedious and tiresome at times. It’s Cool is more of a ballad than anything and showcases some impressive falsetto. And don’t be put off by the strange title of album closer Fail Epic, it ends the album in a shower of translucent synths.
Whilst Pacifica ends up being a confusing listen at first, it is a real grower and finds the listener discovering a new favourite track on each subsequent listen. It’s certainly not the album full of more radio-friendly singles that was expected, but it is a welcome change, one which shows maturity and some great production work. Whilst this may alienate some of the massive group of fans that were gained during the last album, this record is one which is still sure to be atop an equal amount of music lovers’ end of year lists.
Sebastian Betten
The ten track release sees the group taking a radically different approach this time and exploring new territories. It explores both the darkness and light in a world of synth-laden tunes. Produced by the leading duo of Kim Moyes (drums, keyboards) and Julian Hamilton (vocals, synths), Pacifica is a challenging record at times but ultimately sees the pair triumph.
The album begins with the engaging single Youth in Trouble. A departure from the usual sound we’ve come to expect from The Presets, it features a pounding fast synth beat which seems as though it will build up to a massive drop but ultimately leaves the listener disappointed until the ending pounding climatic chorus. New single Ghosts opens up anther drastically different direction, but this one is a masterstroke. The sea shanty travels along with a synth underneath sounding very similar to Apocalypso track Aeons. The soaring vocals of Hamilton sound fantastic, with the backing Ohhh vocals the perfect fit.
Promises sounds exactly like the next Passion Pit single with its blissful synths and tinkling piano and Push is reminiscent of a dirty European club tune. Pacifica shapes a difficult record, one with numerous influences from 80’s electro to Crystal Castles to mid 90’s acid rave. However as a whole record it works, the contrasting tracks meshing together to create a lush and deep record full of surprises. A.O. sees Hamilton making no effort to hide his thick Australian accent in a welcome change; his vocals can become tedious and tiresome at times. It’s Cool is more of a ballad than anything and showcases some impressive falsetto. And don’t be put off by the strange title of album closer Fail Epic, it ends the album in a shower of translucent synths.
Whilst Pacifica ends up being a confusing listen at first, it is a real grower and finds the listener discovering a new favourite track on each subsequent listen. It’s certainly not the album full of more radio-friendly singles that was expected, but it is a welcome change, one which shows maturity and some great production work. Whilst this may alienate some of the massive group of fans that were gained during the last album, this record is one which is still sure to be atop an equal amount of music lovers’ end of year lists.
Sebastian Betten