Drawing inspiration from each successive wave of garage rock, The Rare Occasions put their own dark spin on retro. The LA-via-Providence group meshes angular guitar riffs with sweet indie pop melodies, from the blistering psych-anthem “Dysphoric” (Feelers) to the dreamlike “Bug Eyes” (Futureproof). This variability and depth of styles, layered with lyrical themes of existentialism and self-reflection, are what both define The Rare Occasions and set them apart.