A rich and darkly woven post-punk masterpiece, Octavian Winters’ latest release is a reflection of the tumultuous times we live in. The band’s sound oscillates between shadow and shimmer, offering a sublime sonic delight for fans of the genre. The Spill Magazine describes it as “a dark and lush tapestry of near-classic post-punk,” while Joyzine praises its raw power, likening it to “tectonic thunder” with a voice that scales effortlessly above the wall of sound. The Big Takeover calls it “a dark musical weave forged of post-punk and gothic strands,” and Ringmaster Review finds it “seriously compelling,” enhanced by Aursjoen’s evocative vocals and atmospheric mists.
San Francisco’s Octavian Winters has collaborated with Mark Pistel (Consolidated, Meat Beat Manifesto) on their new two-track single, released on April 30 via Stratis Capta Records. The A-side, ‘Nebula’, contemplates the fleeting nature of all things seen and unseen, while Pistel’s remix of ‘Velveteen’ brings an infectious, pulsating energy to the track.
Formed in 2022, Octavian Winters comprises guitarist Stephan Salit (Thrill of The Pull), drummer Randy Gzebb (Thrill of The Pull, Love Club), bassist Jay Denton, and vocalist/keyboardist Ria (Amenti) Aursjoen. Together, they create a unique soundscape of half-remembered stories, shadowy atmospheres, and ethereal melodies set against the backdrop of an abandoned city under a winter moon.
Mark Pistel, a veteran producer, engineer, programmer, remixer, and songwriter, is known for his work with The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Grace Jones, and many others. Pistel shares, “Randy Gzebb approached me to remix ‘Velveteen’ from ‘The Line or the Curve’ EP. The track already had a fantastic vocal melody and a strong guitar hook, so I added pulsing analog synths and a dance floor beat.”
The band has also released a new video for ‘Nebula’, directed by David Kruschke. Both ‘Nebula’ and ‘Velveteen’ are from their debut EP, ‘The Line or Curve’, which came out in October 2023. Previous videos from the EP include ‘Undertow’, ‘Ondine’, and ‘Surreal’.
Ria Aursjoen elaborates on the inspiration behind ‘Nebula’: “The song explores a ‘last day at the end of the world’ scenario, blending Gnostic ideas and esoteric symbolism. It imagines the universe completing its cycle and starting anew. The symbolic language allows for multiple interpretations, and I expect to understand my own words in new ways over time.”
Octavian Winters’ music is a blend of darkwave and post-punk, characterized by layered sounds, edged grooves, lush synth textures, and soaring vocal harmonies. Randy Gzebb recalls the creation of ‘Nebula’: “Ria brought in the demo, and we immediately started working on it. The rhythm and tempo set the mood, with the guitar and bass creating a haunting atmosphere and powerful vocals.”
‘The Line or Curve’ EP was recorded at OW Studio and Room 5, with Mark Pistel and William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith and the Muse) handling production, mixing, and mastering. The band members have previously shared stages with Nine Inch Nails, Killing Joke, Christian Death, and others.
The single ‘Nebula / Velveteen (Mark Pistel Remix)’ is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Bandcamp. Octavian Winters’ next concert is on Friday, July 26, at San Francisco’s DNA Lounge, headlining with support from Halou and Sword Tongue.
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