Occasions for Self-Congratulations is the title of Sgt. Splendor’s debut album, which dropped just a few days ago. A new project, Sgt. Splendor is made up of Kate Vargas (vocals) and Eric McFadden (vocals, guitar). Talking about the new release, Vargas says, “This record draws heavily from what we experienced during lockdown. It’s an abstract expression of that strange time.” Recorded in Brisbane, California, with Mikel Ross and Travis Kasperbauer, who engineered and co-produced with Vargas and McFadden, the rhythm section on the album features Paulo Baldi (drums) and Dave Schools (bass). McFadden explains: “Sometimes things work out in life just like you want them to. It was an insane stroke of luck that Paulo and Dave were both available for the studio time we’d booked. They’re old frien...