Australian group broadens their shoegaze sound...
Naarm/Melbourne quartet Press Club evolves and expands their sound on ‘To All The Ones That I Love’ while keeping their core identity intact. The opening track ‘I Am Everything’ presents a more contemplative and edgy shoegaze style, which may surprise listeners familiar with their previous punk rock-infused albums. Nonetheless, this shift doesn’t diminish its impact. Beginning with a more nuanced and thoughtful song showcases a band willing to evolve. Natalie Foster's vocals take center stage here. Press Club is primarily a group of friends. Formed in 2016, they began jamming a few times a week in Iain Macrae's (guitar) garage in Brunswick. Once they had crafted some songs, they immersed themselves in Melbourne's lively live music scene, eagerly accepting every gig opportunity, ultimately playing 110 shows in their first year. Such beginnings are evident in the vibrant yet tight energy of standout tracks like ‘Champagne & Nikes’ and ‘No Pressure’. The former draws inspiration from a chance encounter with an eccentric man at a liquor store that Nat and Iain witnessed while purchasing Guinness for a recording session. Nat captured this moment, and by the time they returned to the studio, ‘Champagne & Nikes’ was created. 'No Pressure' was the album's first single release, brimming with infectious punk rock energy. Thematically, it addresses the liberation of stepping aside and allowing life to unfold naturally. This sentiment permeates the album, reflecting universal daily struggles: “Straight down the aisle with a lack of pressure / Nobody ever felt better.” ‘To All The Ones That I Love’ sees Press Club confidently breaking free as they experiment with their sound. The track ‘Vacate’ is intentionally lengthy and repetitive in structure, steadily building throughout. The band noted that it was inspired by the atmospheric guitar segments in David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ (played by Robert Fripp) and the sharp, staccato guitar lines favored by Joy Division and New Order. The title track ‘To All The Ones That I Love’ is most reminiscent of their debut album, 2018’s ‘Late Teens’. Given that it was initially recorded for their debut but didn't make the cut, it's not particularly surprising. However, it is surprising that the band chose to revisit it, simplifying it back to the essentials of the original recordings. One might argue that it was ahead of its time when Press Club decided to feature it as the title track. The emotional resonance in this song is profound and perhaps vital: “To all the ones that I love, I don’t say it enough...”
‘Tightrope’ further delves into the frustrations and challenges of navigating life. The struggle to balance self-care while meeting others' expectations can be overwhelming. The soundscape is uneven and disjointed at times, reflecting this theme. The intense guitar riffs mimic a strong wind, threatening to knock us off balance if we’re not mindful of external pressures. The closing track ‘Desolation’ serves as a counterpart to ‘I Am Everything,’ echoing its edgy shoegaze sound. The pace slows, returning to a more introspective mood. The final lyrics are heart-wrenching with the haunting repetition of “nobody’s listening,” striking at one’s very core. Such is the power of music.
Greg Rietwyk (guitar) once again handled production and mixing for ‘To All The Ones That I Love’. The fact that the album was created quickly speaks volumes about the band's connection. Completed by drummer Frank Lees, Press Club’s fourth album radiates a strong desire to explore both sonically and vocally. Themes of introspection, growth, change, and harnessing self-awareness are universal elements of the human experience. Press Club has captured these within their artistry, resulting in an album that resonates with everyone.
8/10
Words: Julia Mason
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Naarm/Melbourne quartet Press Club develops and broadens their sound on ‘To All The Ones That I Love’ while staying true to their fundamental identity. The opening track, ‘I...’