What Occurs

“What Occurs” Islands
Prolific Canadian, but now L.A.-based, band returns with its 10th album in 19 years. Frontman is Nick Thorburn (Nick Diamonds of the Unicorns). Lighter indie rock with some pop and folk influences. Fun and spontaneous, filled with memorable characters and fascinating storytelling lyrics. Recorded on the fly with the band all together on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Plenty of interesting tracks to choose from. RIYL: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Wolf Parade, The Unicorns, Kiwi Jr.
— Francis

Recommended: 13, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6. No FCCs noted.

1. (3:15) What Occurs — Unassuming, minimal yet hooky opener. Simple, repetitive piano round with gentle synth orchestra swells. Mandolin solo in lead break. ****
2. (3:09) Drown A Fish — Builds into a 60s-flavored, power pop tune about a loser in love. Hints of Elvis Costello. Sharp guitars. Stop-and-go rhythm. ***
3. (3:32) Tangerine — Nice changes of pace in this lighthearted, somewhat garage-y guitar rocker. Borrows Tom Petty’s “party dress” line from “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” ***
4. (2:42) Arachnophobia — Easygoing and soulful. Organ provides the foundation with nimble guitar work throughout. Protagonist mistakes the meaning of ‘arachnophobia’ as a fear of snakes. ***
5. (3:22) Move Some More — March-like tempo with a pulsing beat. Laid-back, flowing rock. Subtle, glittering synth in the mix as well. **
6. (2:23) Boll Weevil — Funky strut with organ and sharp guitar stingers. Memphis R&B vibe. ***
7. (4:28) David Geffen’s Jackson Pollock — Gentle shimmering guitar-and-synth track about an art thief who almost gets away with his crime.
8. (00:23) Hang — Short, raw, clash-y interlude.
9. (3:16) On The Internet — Freak folk. Heavily reverbed rhythm guitar with busy bass line, ringing guitar and chugging rhythm. Dreamy feeling.
10. (3:35) Sally Doesn’t Work Here Anymore — Halting, ethereal synth pop. Drifting and atmospheric.
11. (4:58) Talk Is Cheap — Insistent guitar attacks over organ, creating a deliberate cadence. Searing guitar in lead break. Draggy, laid-back vocals.
12. (3:25) A Void — Strummy, soft and captivating. Harmonized vocals in the chorus. Tender introspective lyrics. Reminiscent of the Beatles or John Lennon’s vulnerable solo work. ****
13. (3:20) The End — Galloping closer. Tumbling drums. Jangly guitar. Chime-y synths. Plus, great storytelling vocals. A single. ****