They were known as Viet Cong, then after some PC-adjustments the band became Preoccupations. However, the sound remained truly original: post-punk-esque, but soft ("labyrinthine", as Pitchfork noted), and best of all, conveniently but precisely constructed. And indeed, Matt Flegel's Canadian band, with songs that have recently always exceeded 4 minutes, are in no hurry to rush anywhere, just making a wonderful noise in their own chaos, almost betraying the genre they are associated with. Best of all, they always leave time for the unparalleled instrumentals which they describe "Blade Runner-ish". That's exactly the key: the latter bombastic musical foundation cries out for a live listen.
What started out darker and rawer (see Death, the 11 minute-long masterpiece, for example) certainly became more bohemian by the 2022 album, but remains eternal in tone: you might not even say it was written this year, or twenty-thirty years ago - in this case, that's a wonderful thing.
A38 Ship
Converted from a coal-mining ship, the A38 is easily Budapest's most unique concert venue. The belly of the ship has been home to a wide range of live and electronic music for almost 20 years, and when it's full you can feel the rhythmic movement of the partygoers making waves in the Danube. Foreign acts often refer to it afterwards as their favourite club.
