Pressing Matters
I first came across Press To Meco while being an avid viewer of that brilliant Rock channel Scuzz, I absolutely loved the bands that were showcased on there and I really miss my daily dosage. All good things come to an end and I’m glad to say that PTM are still with us and are now celebrating the release of their new album ‘Transmute’. Now I love the title as it more than adequately defines what we have been through and what the future may bring. We have had to adapt our lives at the mercy of the pandemic and our paths forward will be shaped out of the decimation that it has left.
We start with a very Nine Inch Nails feel introduction, a metallic determination that resonates, yet there is room for manoeuvre as we experience all variations and styles of music, lustrous and generous. The trio comprising Luke Caley, Lewis Williams and newbie bassist and best friend Jake Crawford, used all means available to create this amazing array of tunes that are easy to listen to and understand. ‘Smouldering Sticks’ gives us the punishing beats that push through the grime which leads nicely into ‘A Test Of Our Resolve’ with it’s huge chorus and delicate ending that nestles serenely in the nape of your neck. The arrangements show a talent and eye for honing their craft as shown in ‘Baby Steps’ with the sweet ballad beginning which precedes a song that is powerful and purposeful. Luke has a lovely voice; clear and supple but he can still deliver the screams and screeches when necessary. This record was produced by Machine, the navigator behind Lamb Of God and Every Time I Die, so with such a solid back catalogue, it’s no surprise that we have a real treat here.
Again, the ideas discussed here have already been addressed, through the lockdowns our artists have had plenty of time to think and develop songs, but that doesn’t mean the subject matter has been saturated. Not at all, in fact it has given rise to so many other woes and woken so many other demons, we can all say, ‘this change is overdue’ and you need to ‘put your mind to it’.
I think these lads have nicked all the best choruses this year, take a gander at ‘Way To Know’ and then let yourself be cradled in the arms of ‘Hesitation’ to end this journey, this transmutation if you will, that has taken our lives and thrown them up in the air without any regard.
The time to ‘breathe in the smoke and ignore the pain’ has passed, we need to face ‘Another Day’ and confront all those challenges that are long ‘Overdue’.
The alchemy of turning ‘Lead’ into ‘Gold’ is illustrated eloquently in this transcendent and expressive body of work.
Deep breaths, baby steps my friends, onwards and upwards we go and transmute accordingly.
Press To Meco – Transmute out now via Marshall Records