Track By Tracks: Precursor - Thick & Thin (2024)

1. Down the Drain:

This was one of the first songs we wrote for the record and it was so hard-hitting and powerful we knew it had to be the opening track. Lyrically it's one of the darker tunes on the record which I think is important as there's an evolution through the album that reveals some hope and a push to keep going despite the struggles we're facing. The double kick drum at the end is one of my favourite drum moments on the record too.

2. Where's the Cavalry?:

We chose this tune as the first single on the record as it felt like a mix of all of the best parts of the record: Catchy, melodic, super fast but still groovy. For me the gang vocals really elevated the chorus beyond our jam session versions. That was Stu's call to add and to me, it makes the song. Again lyrically it's a call for help and dark themes but still feels like we're all in this together.

3. Don't Throw Your Life Away:

We've lost a few friends to suicide over the past couple of years. Suppose we're in the age group now where people are deciding if their lives have turned out the way they wanted them to. It's heartbreaking to lose someone and not be able to help them. This is a song I wrote to hopefully make people second-think that decision to end things. We are all struggling at times so it's important to let people know they're not alone. I hope this tune does that.

4. For the Last Time:

I knew this was one of the best guitar leads on the record and I really struggled to find a melody for it that I liked. In the end, it was Taylor Swift that helped me come up with the chorus. A very syncopated vocal line that really works as it's a tune many have latched on to. Thematically it's about relationship troubles so everyone can relate to that.

5. All Those Nights:

The slowest tune on the album. It's a breath before we get back into it. Originally the song felt like Weezer until Stu came up with the guitar leads. That really changed the vibe so it felt more like High Vis who Stu and I love. Probably a song that has the least strained vocals too which some people prefer. More of a rock jam vs hardcore so it's nice to have that variety in the album.

6. The Golden Age:

Love the grooves in this song. A catchy one that focuses on enjoying the moment of your lives and realizing how lucky we are to live in the Western world. As we get older and reflect back on years gone by I wanted to remind people to be grateful and happy with their day to day. I hope my kids realize the optimism in the lyrics.

7. Dead Air:

The heaviest most hardcore song on the record. We needed a tune that was inspired by our love of NYHC. Still has that chorus you can sing along to which I love. The end vocal line I struggled with. Stu had the idea for it based on more of a kid-dynamite vibe. Ultimately, I love how different it feels from my regular 4/4 timing. We've had circle pits at shows during this song, so it's safe to say it worked.

8. Unraveling:

This was one of the first songs we recorded vocals for and I was so hyped. It's a dark horse fav of mine on the record. Lyrically it's about falling apart but I linked it to the vibe of the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver which is really struggling at the moment. So much poverty, violence and anxiety on the streets. We've had friends that got deep into drugs and it's a slippery slope to this part of town where it's incredibly difficult to climb out of. The Ray Cappo yell near the end is one of Stu's favourite vocal parts and was totally his idea.

9. A Bitter Pill:

I loved the music of this tune and again I really struggled to find a vocal melody that did it justice. Ultimately, I think it's the poppiest tune on the record and I love the vibe. Stu was really leaning into the d.b.s. inspiration on guitar so I tried to do the same. Their singer Jesse Gander always had such interesting vocal phrasing and melodies so I was thinking about him when I wrote my parts.

10. Black & Blue:

This song has almost a La Dispute vibe to me. The guitar line has such a vibe. It's the angriest song on the album inspired by death and loss of friends at the hands of alcohol and drugs. Vocally it was a shit kicking and I've had some drummers say it has their favourite drum parts on the album. The record feels like you move through a time and place and this tune is the climax really.

11. The Way It Goes:

This track didn't click for me without the vocals but I'm really happy with it now. It almost feels like quiet acceptance after the anger of the previous track. Again, you can hear some Weezer influence in parts but the vocals seem to pick up the pace overall which is nice. It's about letting go of what you thought would happen in your life and being happy with it. We all need to celebrate more and be less focused on what's missing.

12. Broken:

A last-minute edition to the album when we had a couple free hours at the studio after the drums were wrapped. Travis had a guitar line he was playing with and we knew it could be cool to have a Jimmy Eat World ending to the record after so many fast-paced rippers. The vocals are pretty raw but I love the Goo Goo Dolls feel in places. Stu went wild with the Omnichord which he and I both love. People have latched on to this one. Not sure it'll ever get played live but I'm super happy that it made the cut. The last breath (super hard to hear) is one of my favourite vocal moments.