Sgt. Splendor - Occasions for Self​-​Congratulations (2022)

Before joining forces, the duo behind Sgt. Splendor were already formidable solo artists, Vargas chalking up acclaim at outlets like NPR, HuffPost and Vice (including praise from the “Dean of American Rock Critics” Robert Christgau); and McFadden amassing an impressive resume including stints on guitar with George Clinton & the P-Funk All Stars, Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, and Eric Burdon & The Animals, plus a slew of solo albums, and session work with everyone from Jackson Browne to The Clash’s Joe Strummer.

Sgt. Splendor made excellent use of its rolodex on Occasions, calling in the dream rhythm section of drummer Paulo Baldi (CAKE, The Claypool Lennon Delirium) and Widespread Panic bassist Dave Schools. The album also features appearances by Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison, Timbuk3’s Pat Macdonald, and Mike Anderson on upright bass.