Following a run of enjoyable digital singles, Octavian Winters released their debut EP ‘The Line Or Curve’ in October 2023. Rounding up the band’s previously available tracks and premiering the excellent ‘Velveteen’, its five songs explored an old school goth sound, but by blending that with a much tougher post-punk influence, the release shared a superbly dark mood laced with very strong melodies throughout. One of the EP’s highlights, ‘Surreal’ managed to bring the cold brilliance of ‘Faith’ era Cure into the realms of the more modern, potentially making it amenable to fans of bands like Lacuna Coil, and the combination of Jay Denton’s huge bass melodies and Ria Aursjoen’s soaring 80s vocals resulted in something atmospheric. With slow but wondrous melodies underscored by ringing guitar, it showed how classic 80s goth rock riffs and melodies could sound just as thrilling forty years on.
An equally good showcase for the band, ‘Velveteen’ showed off a much rockier edge. The underlying pumping rhythms and cold waves of guitar that fill the intro are keen to throw the listener straight back to the more accessible elements of The Cult’s ‘Dreamtime’ LP, with more than a hint of ‘Spiritwalker’ informing the main melody. As with other Octavian Winters tunes, this single wasn’t just completely indebted to a goth rock past, and its hazier vocals captured a much more modern feel throughout.
As part of the EP’s ongoing promotion, ‘Nebula’ – arguably the band’s bleakest song – was chosen as another digital single in April 2024. Despite lacking the instant appeal of something like ‘Velveteen’, its really easy to hear why the band would want to highlight the track. From the outset, it has a brooding rhythm that represents the ultimate in classic goth with its deep drums and funereal style. The way shimmering keys counter some of the darker elements is relatively simple, and yet their disquieting presence makes the opening of the number far more alluring. As the arrangement begins to build, some of the vocals are peppered with a Siouxsie-esque quality that only accentuates the familiar feel, but its the point where the chorus explodes in a world of harmonies that ‘Nebula’ truly becomes magical. Just briefly, the shining optimism that appears to peek through the darkness carries a hint of the gothy/shoegaze phase from All About Eve circa ‘Ultraviolet’, and Ria’s voice takes on a beautiful, soaring approach that really sells the melody. If you’ve never heard Octavian Winters before and you’re keen on classic goth influenced stuff, this has all the makings of being an instant favourite.
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For those who’ve already spent quality time with ‘The Line Or Curve’, this digital download offers an exclusive treat. The band have enlisted Mark Pistel to remix ‘Velveteen’, and in his usual style, he doesn’t just give everything a quick polish, but rebuilds the track from the ground up. The opening bars share a heavy rhythm and its intense galloping cuts through the rest of the number. This has the effect of leaving a very mechanical pulse against Ria’s vocal, but also making the present drum sound appear to have more of an abrasive quality. Pistel’s choice of busy electronica is perfect, since the incessant pulse owes as much to a late 80s/early 90s alternative scene as Octavian Winters’ own work. He makes ‘Velveteen’ feel much busier, but without killing the mood – something a great dance-oriented remix should aim for. Unlike his remix of Nine Inch Nails ‘The Perfect Drug’ (released under his Meat Beat Manifesto guise), the source material is at least recognisable here.
Obviously, it’s highly recommended that you check out ‘The Line Or Curve’ if you haven’t already done so, but this two pronged digital treat is a superb bonus from Octavian Winters. It’s the kind of short listen that’ll bring the band new fans, but increase any interest from those already in the know. Although it still feels like a placeholder until the band returns with something genuinely new, this digital offering is a cut above so much of the filler you’ll find lurking on Bandcamp.
April/May 2024