LISTEN: The Rare Occasions Share “Stay”
LISTEN: The Rare Occasions Share “Stay”
It’s a whole vibe.
Words By: Bre Offenberger
Los Angeles-based indie rock outfit The Rare Occasions have dropped “Stay,” the lead single off their newly announced sophomore album, Big Whoop, due out June 18. The track is a trippy glance into a one-sided relationship — and how not giving it your all, despite being fully invested, may not bode well.
The track opens with synths darting around the premises while a squeak enlarges before subtly rupturing into frontman Brian McLaughlin’s fizzy world. He opens up immediately, revealing how he has thrust himself onto the shoulders of his significant other, completely relying on their warmth to get them through the day. In the chorus, a roaring electric guitar shines, gushing with feelings of realization and catharsis. A small roll of drums open up a path for McLaughlin to let completely loose, reaching incredible registers and letting his partner know that even though he hasn’t been perfect, they haven’t, either. Soft strings accent his hard-hitting words, and the track ends with him asking again why they decide to stick around, repeating the word “stay” a few extra times — because even if they want to, McLaughlin hopes they don’t go.
Of the single, McLaughlin shares: “The three of us took a real collaborative journey creating this song, embracing electronic and orchestral elements as an extension of our usual indie rock sound. It will make you wonder whether or not to dance, cry, or maybe both.”
Big Whoop is the pinnacle of the ever-emerging DIY landscape, as almost every sector of its production was completed solely by the band. It was all recorded and mixed in McLaughlin’s abode. Drummer Luke Imbusch manufactured the orchestral arrangement, including the gorgeous one that rages in “Stay.”
McLaughlin and Imbusch have been creating music together for years and formed The Rare Occasions while attending college in Boston. They also met bassist Jeremy Cohen there and have since toured nationally, won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and released worthwhile song after worthwhile song. The band has been working on Big Whoop since 2018, when the fourth member of the band departed. The three-piece have sought to tackle experimentation with their sophomore release, displaying lush soundscapes and lyrics that’ll not only make you think, but make you wonder why you hadn’t listened to this band earlier. Mark the release date for Big Whoop on your calendar, and get ready to declare it as one of your favorite albums of the year.
