Rock and Roll and Storytelling have gone hand in hand for a long time. Some of the greatest rock records of all time (Tommy, The Wall, The Downward Spiral) have all been based around narratives that highlight the extremities of the human condition. In a singles-driven market, that’s harder and harder to do. But that doesn’t stop bands like Sweden’s innovative yet affectionately old-school rockers, Pressure.
The band is dropping their next album, In a Dark Heart We Trust on June 3rd, and this writer was lucky enough to grab a sneak peak of the goods. Having reviewed some of their earlier work and been exposed to what they’re about in general, it was refreshing to hear this next step in the band’s evolution. The songwriting is at an all time high and the production is as gold as always, but what really makes this album pop is the story it has to tell. And of course every great story revolves around humanity’s fundamental building-block of love: relationships.
The opening track, simply called “PRESSURE”, acts a brand new call to arms; a statement of rebirth and refinement from a band that already had a solid identity. Musically, there is a lot going on; guitar leads that spiral, speak, cry, weep, and scream but don’t often repeat what they’re doing. The rhythm is constant and driving in it’s tempo, but it’s the emotive vocal performances from Olof Jönsson and Olli Violet that (as always) provide the most intriguing push and pull. There is an inherent theatricality in Pressure‘s music, although they aren’t a “theatrical band” per se`, that is brought to it’s logical conclusion on this opener. It screams “Broadway” but it’s darker, more aggressive, and more atmospheric than what you’d find in most big-stage musicals.
Highlights early in the album include second track, “Is This Who You Are”, a catchy rocker that touches on the existential dread of realizing the person you’ve committed to is not who you believed them to be. Having personally been there on multiple occasions, this track hit home. Jönsson takes center stage on this one and puts an angry and anxious vocal atop dueling guitars that seem to compete as well as compliment. There is a primal fury in the instrumental delivery that suggests the noise of a toxic marriage or relationship, steady, always in the background, and barely hanging on at the hinges. It never goes fully off the rails, but the threat is steadily and consistently present. 
“Get a Real Job” is another fun romp, bringing back the double vocal attack. Both singers harmonize and bounce off each other playfully in this aggressive number that brings back a little more of the Broadway-pomp, and slows the tempo ever so slightly for a sleazier, and grittier effect. Vocally, Jönsson leans towards a gravellier tone, while Violet keeps it atmospheric, sultry, and haunting.
Personal favorite, you ask? “Hunter or Prey”, hands down. A funky bass line that erupts into a full on bass solo midway through absolutely carries it, but a catchy and memorable chorus from both vocalists makes it pop in 3D.
“Behind Closed Doors” is an obvious highlight, and the chosen single for the band’s latest music video (out everywhere as of 5/20!) The song, and the video both depict a scared woman running from an abusive spouse. Each vocalist plays the respective role of “hunter” and “prey” (see what I did there?), furthering the album’s theme of push and pull and give and take in various types of relationships. The focus of the video, and throughout the album, seems to be the relationships in trouble. Domestic violence, and various kinds of abuse are subject matter throughout, and though the music can be fun and bombastic, this album is remarkably darker than previous efforts.
The biggest revelation when listening to “In a Dark Heart We Trust” is how much it lends itself to be performed as a rock musical, live on stage, in the vein of Rent or Hairspray. Lively and passionate rock music with a lot of layers and information pushing forth messages and stories that deal with escaping from poisonous situations and coming to stand in your own strength could really set the stage for an intriguing full length production.
I don’t know if that’s something that’s in Pressure‘s list of ambitions, but what is certain is that they’re ambitious. Fans of Guns ‘n’ Roses or Bon Jovi and other classic hard rock acts will find much to enjoy here, but for the listener that wants to sink their teeth into something with more substance, there is plenty of that here too. Pressure intrigues because they create music you could party to, until you start listening to the tales they’re weaving in the lyrics.
Make sure you check the band’s Spotify, Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter channels and feeds for the album drop on June 3rd, and in the meantime, enjoy the video for “Behind Closed Doors” below:
