It's been a while since an Australian artist released a blazing rock concept album; prchr. thought that needed to change.
After his 2024 debut album 'Album One: Everything That's Wrong With Me', prchr. (pronounced percher) spent time scouring the depths of his mind and soul for events most graphic and transformative, then matched what he saw with the sights and (sometimes) confronting sounds of Brisbane's Fortitude Valley.
Thus 'Album Two: The Pavement' was forged. Released today (15 January), it's a dark and vivid piece that follows the mythical king of Fortitude Valley as he witnesses a murder and spirals into questioning everything.
"Albums should be more than just a collection of songs put together," prchr. states.
"They should tell a story with a deeper meaning. Exploring myself through the story of the album was really fun. I feel like music helps convey my personality and my character more easily.
"I explored parts of myself, and at the same time, there's parts of that character that aren't like me at all. The character's a bit self-absorbed and thinks he's better than everyone. It was fun trying to piece him together and tell his story."
Music met prchr. in early adolescence with a bang, something his powerful, layered, fuzz-driven compositions now reflect.
"When I went to play for the first time around 11, I had an acoustic guitar that I plugged into my dad's old guitar amp sitting in the back shed.
"I plugged the guitar in, turned it all the way up, tried to play it and got nothing but the most disgusting feedback noise possible. That was when I realised I want to do this for the rest of my life."
Shaped by the potential power of music, prchr. set about releasing emotions deep within, shaping his craft between songs flowing easily and taking time to craft each small element.
"Some of the songs [from the new album] are based on things that have happened to me in the past. 'Happy' and 'Kingscliff II' came together more organically, while 'GNCDE', 'Who's Gonna Save You Now?' and 'No One's Coming' were pieced together carefully for the record.
"There are other references, such as 'Humpty Dumpty' which stemmed from the government's approach to handling the pandemic. Some tracks are really personal, such as 'Happy'. That came together three years ago, and bringing it out now is definitely a breath of fresh air.
"I've been wanting to get that one out as a way to push the old me back in the rear view mirror and focus on the road ahead. Reading the lyrics back feels cathartic in a way.
"I've definitely grown and built myself up from the person I was two years ago. It's a cathartic celebration."
The record's sound is undoubtedly hard and heavy, the opening setting up a dramatic tone that builds tension throughout the work.
Softer moments in tracks such as 'Exhausted' and 'Happy' showcase the work's intricacy, while the set will take two or three listens to fully divulge its secrets.
For the live shows, prchr. aims to create an immersive experience, pulling the audience into the chaotic world of 'The Pavement'. "The show is full band, I've been playing with my friends for the past five years now.
"They've been absolutely incredible to work with, and I owe them everything. I'm pushing towards a cinematic experience live, bringing the story to life by focusing on production going forward.
"I played 'The Pavement' and 'Exhausted' when I supported Cleopatrick at Crowbar in September, and the reception was really warm. I'd also have to say 'Little White Lies' is a bit of a bop, I'm looking forward to playing that."
As our interview concludes prchr. shares his most gratuitous track, and how it almost never came to be. "'Exhausted' feels good, it's one of my favourite songs on the record.
"It actually wasn't supposed to go on the record. I had planned some transitional tracks, but I axed them and found 'Exhausted' fit the record perfectly."
