Occurrence shares new single

New York-based trio Occurrence‘s latest single, “The Remote Past Tense,” delivers a stunningly poignant journey through the complexities of heartbreak and emotional struggle. The band’s signature alternative indie pop sound is showcased through a captivating blend of electronic beats, synths and gritty guitar tones. The track is a standout on their brand new double-sided album, Slow Violence, and is sure to strike a chord with listeners.

From the first notes of “The Remote Past Tense,” the listener is taken on a sonic journey filled with deep emotion and evocative storytelling. Cat Hollyer’s soaring vocal leads convey a sense of yearning and desperation, perfectly capturing the heartache and longing that come with the end of a relationship. The lyrics are both visceral and poetic, reflecting the band’s ability to craft songs that are at once deeply personal and universally relatable.

Ken Urban’s electronic production provides a lush backdrop for the vocals, with kaleidoscopic synths and pulsing beats creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The fuzzy guitar lines add a touch of rawness to the track, perfectly complementing Hollyer’s vocals. The result is a sonic tapestry that blends elements of indie pop, electronic music and shoegaze into a seamless whole.

The band’s attention to detail is evident in the way they crafted the song. From the use of candles during recording to the meticulous reworking of sections, Occurrence has clearly put their hearts and souls into “The Remote Past Tense,” creating a song that feels deeply vulnerable and honest, yet also polished and slick.

For Hollyer, the song is a particularly difficult one to listen to. She notes that it’s about “every breakup, ever,” and that she drew from her own experiences to make the lyrics as visually resonant as possible. The first line, “The last thing I want to say is that I never loved you,” is a play on words that sets the tone for the rest of the song. As the track progresses, it becomes clear that there’s more to the story than meets the eye. Hollyer’s vocals convey a sense of complexity and nuance that is rare in modern music.

Ken Urban notes that the band recorded the first version of the song during the sessions for their previous album, I Have So Much Love to Give. However, something wasn’t quite right, and he kept reworking the track until it felt perfect. The addition of Peter Mark Kendall’s guitar parts and Kiri’s mix added the finishing touches to the song, resulting in a track that is both polished and deeply emotive.

Overall, “The Remote Past Tense” is a stunning addition to Occurrence’s discography. The band’s ability to blend elements of various different style into a new and original sound is unparalleled, and the track is a testament to their talent and dedication and Hollyer’s vocals are particularly noteworthy, delivering a sense of aching emotion that makes it that much more compelling.

Listen to The Remote Past Tense below