October Equus (& related) ~ Spain

October Equus (2006)

One never knows when a new force enters into the progressive rock landscape. Steven Wilson meekly introduced himself with his bedroom tapes for Porcupine Tree. Fabio Zuffanti was somewhat anonymous when he hit the world stage with Finisterre. And a one Angel Ontalva announced his presence with a new band called October Equus. Though in this case, Ontalva showed up with a bang, dominating the sounds around him.

When October Equus' debut arrived, I was all about the sound they were creating. Looking at some old notes, I started at a 5 star masterpiece, something I almost never do. They mixed the aggressiveness of Belgium's Present with the psychedelics of France's Nebelnest's debut to create what I considered the perfect recipe. Over time, I've dropped the album a full two points, which still keeps it in the excellent category. Music like this almost immediately finds itself out the door, as I feel I have too much of it. Generally I keep the ones of personal historical interest, that I first discovered in the 80s and early 90s. And yet, I still found myself enjoying the heck out of this one - clearly a cut way above the norm. It's more the Nebelnest influence that holds my interest here - there is a warmness to that sound that balances the cold rigid complexity that avant prog represents. I continued buying October Equus albums through 2013's Permafrost, though I'm not sure how many of those remaining three will remain, but for certain the debut will be here for the long haul.

Ownership: 2006 Ma.Ra.Cash (CD). Historical footnote in English on what October Equus means. Recording details on the back tray. Acquired in 2006.

4//06; 8/13/22 (review)

Saturnal (2011)

Saturnal is the 3rd album from arguably Spain's most complex rock band. Their first album was almost like a psychedelic Present (Belgium), a very interesting combination that I found highly appealing. With each subsequent release, October Equus ups the ante on complexity, while toning down the more jamming aspect of their sound. It's pretty clear this is a band that now must play live with scored music charts, rather than rehashing more simple material and letting loose on occasion. On Saturnal, October Equus has entered the realms of a new force of music - one that was pioneered by Thinking Plague - and now mastered by many more. Sophisticated, dense, mathematical, academic are a few adjectives that can describe the music within. It's the blueprint sound of the AltRock label. Avant progressive at its most pure. And for me, each new album becomes a little less exciting but more intelligent. The fun and creative high school kid is going to be a doctor. His mother would be proud.

Overall, I still find October Equus to be an excellent band. I just wish they'd loosen up a bit.

Former ownership: 2011 AltRock (CD). Acquired in 2012.

3/12/12 (review); 9/20/22

Also own and need to review: Charybdis; Permafrost; Mondo Flotante

3/12/12 (new entry)