Recess (2026)
The Arrivals popped onto my radar with their 2010 album Volatile Molotov. I remember reading such incredible things about it and the fact that Paddy from Dillinger Four was on bass pushed me over the edge to pick that album up. And I was underwhelmed at first. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but it didn't really grab me aside from the closing track "Simple Pleasures in America." But that song did a lot of heavy lifting. Its strength kept me going back to the record and it did that thing that a lot of great records do. It grew on me. A lot. Today, I can say I unequivocally love that record and I've been waiting 16 years for a follow up that seemed like was never going to arrive (heh). Well, it finally has.
I had very lofty expectations for Payload upon its arrival (OK, I'll stop now). And having spent some time with it over the past few weeks, I'm sort of in the same boat as I was with Volatile Molotov at first. It's unquestionably a very good record and I enjoy listening to it, but it's not knocking me over or providing any 'holy shit' type moments. This time out, I have a different perspective on the band based on how the last record grew on me, so I've been patient and that patience is paying off. I still haven't had that 'holy shit' moment yet, but every time I listen to this record it gets better than I thought it was the previous time.
Part of that is probably because of the lyrics and how it takes some listens for the ideals and imagery to sink it. This is a band that is actually saying something and if you're the the sort of person where lyrics aren't the initial thing you pay attention to when listening to an album (for me, it's never been the first time I focus on), you're going to miss some of the subtleties and messages. But after a while, the way these stories are woven into very catchy working-class punk rock start clicking and for me there's another click every time I put this on the turntable.
Like Volatile Molotov, I fully expect this to end up being one of my favorite records of the year. Truthfully, it already is, but by December I expect to be singing its praises from the highest mountain. It's a grower and I'm being patient and giving it the time it needs.
The Arrivals - Payload:
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