Occupants and the alt rock oppressive storm of "Disappointment Enthusiast"

 

"the colours burst, fades into grey, there’s that familiar feeling..."

I had an odd experience when listening to "Disappointment Enthusiast" (great title) by London alt rock / noise rock threesome Occupants. Amid the utterly annihilating assault of thrashing drums, thick bass backbone and mayhemic guitar down strikes and caustic wailing vox I heard the track almost simultaneously at about half speed, done up acoustically (sort of MTV unplugged). I don't know why, maybe it is because of the super engaging vox with melodies with interesting shapes and guitar changes that feel both bad ass and beautifully sideways in spots. Those divergent elements sparked an interest in hearing it a different way as well as like this. To me that is the mark of a great song. 

 
"Disappointment Enthusiast" is as the band's press notes state:

Based around depression and empathy, the track is influenced by personal struggles from members of the band. Showing an over arching sense of hope within the darkness, and these particular lyrics struck me in a big way:

"It’s all you’ve come to know, At home bathed in pale glow, Solace in ones detest, A hollow emptiness, A hollow empty mess"

I've listened to this repeatedly this morning, each time hearing more guitar subtleties and feeling a torn and tattered sonic amalgam of artists like Osees, Nirvana, Tropical Fuck Storm, METZ. Oh, and I love the sort of warehouse sound as opposed to close up mic in the amp tone. It makes it even more impactful, an art rock storm blowing anything around it down. 

"Disappointment Enthusiast" is the first single from the band's upcoming debut "No Grace" EP. Occupants are an alternative noise rock band founded in 2019, comprising of Michael D. Phillips (Vocals, guitar), Will Showler (Bass, Vocals) and Mark Slobodian (Drums)

-Robb Donker Curtius 

Occupants · Disappointment Enthusiast

THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM - PRESS NOTES:

https://occupantsnoise.bandcamp.com/releases

https://twitter.com/Occupantsnoise

https://www.instagram.com/occupantsnoise/

https://soundcloud.com/occupantsnoise


Occupants are an alternative noise rock band founded in 2019, comprising of Michael D. Phillips (Vocals, guitar), Will Showler (Bass, Vocals) and Mark Slobodian (Drums)

Combining ferocious, panic driven rhythms with subtle textured harmonies and vocals layered with desperation and cynicism, Occupants are here to deliver immediate, honest music.

Their debut EP 'No Grace’ encapsulates urgency and action. Addressing themes of climate change, seclusion, mental health and substance abuse, the band draws upon not only poignant personal struggles but those of others around them and the world at large.

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Occupants, punk, grunge, alternative rock, garage rock, NOISE rock, London, UK, "Disappointment Enthusiast", Their debut EP 'No Grace’,