PAST PRESENT // Beyond This Realm

Hard at work at an upcoming new album, Past Present have had a few hiccoughs along the way. “It’s a difficult process, being an independent band,” says lead vocalist and guitarist, Bailey Slade. “The recording process has been all over the place because we are.”

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With Past Present’s members scattered between Shepparton and Melbourne, trying to line up their respective schedules is the first and biggest issue for Past Present in putting out The Beast And The Burden—but they soldier on, already having dropped igneous rock singles  Harlequin and Beherith. “I’m happy with how it sounds,” says Slade, “It’s just been a difficult process all round.”

It’s hard to put your finger on where Past Present are coming from with their sound, but one thing is for certain, they have a clean cut ferocity going on. “We’re trying not to focus on one specific genre,” says Slade, “But we’ll always have influences that leak through like Opeth and King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard, that kind of stuff.” Two polarising bands Slade mentions in terms of sound, and indeed, Past Present certainly feel eclectic. “Compared to our previous stuff I’m trying to make it more prog-rock, more complex and mature, but there’s still a long way to go.”

Basically I’ve included a bunch of different vocalists to voice different characters in the story, five different characters. That’s to convey the theatrical vibe I wanted to include.
[ Bailey Slade ]

For Slade, as well as the music, the story and concept for the album has been a big focus. Past Present have placed a massive amount of detail in creating an album within the realms of fantasy, great sagas like Lord Of The Rings a big influence. The most striking thing about Past Present’s presence on their social media is the fantastical artwork on their Facebook cover photo, hot pink and lime greens on harlequins and throned demons pop among the dull greys of hanged bodies and the band’s protagonists, Frank and Annie. It’s an extension of the album artwork all produced by artist Benjamin Maskell, who also did the artwork for the band’s previous album, Emancipate Me.

“The art itself has characters from our story,” says Slade, the visual reflecting what we’ll hear in the audio. “Basically I’ve included a bunch of different vocalists to voice different characters in the story, five different characters. That’s to convey the theatrical vibe I wanted to include.”

The theatrical persona is important for Past Present and how they deliver their new music. “Definitely for our more recent stuff, agrees Slade, “I’m focusing on a more progressive theatrical vibe.

“It makes it interesting, it tells a story instead of just playing a cheesy love song.”

Fantasy for many people provides an escape from reality, none more so than Slade. And to be able to create a fantastical world across multiple creative mediums means people will be able to immerse themselves in a world far removed from the norm. “Not just that, but there’s elements you can connect with,” says Slade, “Not the whole big hero thing, underlying themes and stuff.”