Ought: "I’m trying to think about ways to be a positive force"

There comes a point for every band to broaden their horizons and make a step up to the next level. For Canadian post-punk mavericks Ought, that time is now. Of course, when you’re in the middle of things that 'step up' might not seem quite so apparent, but frontman Tim Darcy is aware that this time on their third album ‘Room Inside The World’, is a little bit different.

“We’ve been sitting on this one for a minute, longer than any other record we’ve made. We’ve put the most time into it,” he begins. “There’s more of a change between the second and the third record than between the first and the second. If you want to look at it in broad strokes, then this is a big shift. I feel like it’s in conversation with the other records, though. As much as we invested time in pre-planning and sharing a lot of ideas, there are also moments on the record where we’re trying to build upon things we were getting at on the other two records, but trying to do them more deeply and say them in new, updated ways.”

Ought’s frenetic punk assault has always been considered and questioning. This time though, the themes are even bigger and more universal, something that’s become more and more apparent to the singer as he has grown to live with the songs. “I write very in the moment, and then the overarching themes become evident to me as I look back with a little time and space from the record,” he explains. “There are definitely themes of human connection. Also, creating space is a big part of the record. Finding room for creation that is positive as opposed to reactionary responses to the ailments of the world. I’m trying to think about ways to be a positive force.”

Positivity in the face of overwhelming turmoil is something to be cherished. Ought consider the human condition and our responses to adversity more than most, but this time the expansion in their sonic and emotional palette has brought about new responses and new ways of thinking. ‘Room Inside The World’ excels at being both softer and more considered while still retaining a dark and sinister underbelly. It’s a thrilling and compelling mix. For Tim Darcy though, it’s a record of universal truths. “There are themes of romantic love and figuring your shit out, just human stuff,” proclaims the singer.