THE PRESETS

When was the last time you really looked forward to a new album, to the point where the packaging, liner notes and first fifteen listens all felt like the missing pieces of a much larger puzzle? Not just a puzzle - an event, like a Summer time sequel or season finale that’s actually worth the wait, and doesn’t just expand upon the story, so much as set its sails to new shores.

If it has been a while, then prepare yourself for The Presets’ latest delivery of carefully cultivated, synth-laced, prismatic pop songs: "Pacifica". "Pacifica" is the Sydney duo’s long-awaited return to the spotlight after vocalist/keyboardist Julian Hamilton and drummer/keyboardist Kim Moyes chased a seven-year touring/recording cycle with children—first-time fatherhood for both of them—and some much-needed time off.

The classically-trained producers/performers weren't about to sit still for too long, however. Shortly after, the band was back to making beats and sketching new songs from a bevy of boundless equipment. All without the added pressure of deadlines and tour dates, leaving them with enough time to flesh ideas out with freeform jams or something as simple as a spare piano piece. As Julian plainly puts it, "I remember doing that stuff when I was 20, but I haven’t really had a chance to since.”