Happy New Year everyone! Today I'm going to be having a
listen to “Artless”, the new EP from Cardiff boys, Octavians.
The guys have a signature alt - rock sound and this five
track EP stays true to those roots and throws in elements of indie too, before
it all got a bit too tight jeaned, floppy haired and conceptual...
“Artless” really demonstrates Octavians impressive range and
variety, there are different elements in each song from the choral beginning of
“Every Success” to the cracking solo towards the end of “Joie de Vivre” whilst
stopping off at the more understated and wistful title track “Artless”.
We start with “Every Success” and, as I mentioned, its
wonderful intro, which sets the tone for what is to follow. This track has a sense of coming to terms with not actually
having all the answers. As if everything that you once had all planned out has
just gone a bit wrong. I can relate to that, and I'm sure a lot of you can also. We've all had those times when the plans we've made for ourselves
just completely unravel in our hands. For me it feels like the quarter life
crisis (it's a thing) and those well laid plans of what I'd be doing
once I'd finished uni not quite working out as well as I'd expected.
“Sometimes I Think, Sometimes I Don't” (A phrase that seems to
sum up my life...) follows and is the main single from the EP. In fact, we
featured it on The Amp Session a few shows back (that's my subtle hint to tell
you to go listen again). This may be my favourite song on the EP, its lyrics
cutting and memorable, lingering in your head after the song finishes and by the
way, what a finish. The instrumental at the end is fantastic and I'm a big fan
of the abrupt ending with no fading out.
The third track “Friction into Motion” continues this, Sam
Baker's vocals in tandem with the brilliantly intricate lyrics. Here I can draw a comparison to Ed
Sheeran, in terms of the speed and nature of the delivery; quick, on
point and flow perfectly in time. The song itself follows the same successful
pattern as those which came before, with strong, meaningful lyrics married up
with catchy beats and another great instrumental to round the song off.
Title track “Artless” starts out
differently, in a much more muted and understated way. The lyrics have a
maturity and an almost melancholic feeling to them. This idea of not
knowing how to feel what you want. For me this track is right up there with
“Sometimes I Think, Sometimes I Don't” as being the best on the EP. It shows a
different side to Octavians, a darker quality. The fact
that it's been playing on repeat in my head kinda tells you how good it is.
The EP closes with “Joie de Vivre”, which loops back to the
upbeat riffs and beats from the previous tracks. The lyrics are cutting and
sharply delivered and continue the raw feeling of angst and frustration. The
song is a fantastic close to this great EP, combining everything that Octavians
have done so well; huge riffs, powerful instrumentals and meaningful
vocals.
Quite simply, this EP is excellent. I mean, to review
something you have to listen through a few times anyway, but with "Artless", it was a pleasure to
play each song over and over, in fact I still am! You need to check this out by
heading to iTunes and picking this up. However, be careful not to accidently download stuff
from a German band of the same name, they're... erm... different.
To find out more about Octavians, head over to their website
www.octavians.co.uk or checking out
their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/weareoctavians
Of course, remember also to check out www.theampsession.co.uk
to keep up to date with all the latest in new, unsigned music.
- Chris
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