Octaves-Greener Pastures

Baltimore’s Octaves unique and refreshing approach to heavy music has resulted in their first full-length, and is appropriately titled Greener Pastures. Greener Pastures has the tremendous ability to grab people’s attention, while offering an exhilarating, yet accessible debut album.

The album’s opener “Fix the Fernback” is our first glimpse at Greener Pastures, and the band does not waste any time in allowing listeners to brace themselves for what else’s to come. It’s loud, aggressive, and tongue and cheek-like qualities lets us recognize that this album is going to be quite the adventure.

“Be Angry At the Sun for Setting on a Set of Sons” begins with a dirty, empty guitar line that rings out in dissonance. Just as soon as the listener seems to get comfortable, the song quickly takes a turn and picks up the pace. This track probably best exemplifies the band’s willingness to experiment and toy around with different tempo changes, in which they successfully do so.

The interlude “Anaconda Squeeze” only clocks in at 39 seconds and is a tease. It’s very rhythmic, and gives off almost a Latin vibe. It’s something that has the potential to manifest into a full song, but does not. However, it still proves to be an excellent fit as a lead into “I Am He Who is Called I Am.” The song displays bassist Tony Savero experimenting with some different bass effects. The strongest part about the track is the build up to its end, which grows into a loud, controlled chaos of a finish.

The vocals on Greener Pastures are tough to pin down, but they keep everyone on their toes. Vocalist Phil Fossler is primarily on duty, but everyone else in the band also contributes, as well as various additional guest vocalists. This gives the album that little bit of something extra, and there is a never lull in the grand scheme in its entirety. It’s refreshing, especially when listening to heavier music. Each song also seems to play off one another lyrically, and the content throughout the duration of Greener Pastures reads more as a narrative that is telling a story, rather than individual pieces that stand alone.

The album’s standout track definitely comes through in “I’m Just Going Down to the Corner to Get a Pack of Cigarettes.” This song draws on all of the components that are found throughout the album, and expands upon them by adding little unique nuances in between. It openly challenges listeners to step outside of their comfort zone, something that is always risky, yet the band pulls off well. Also on display is Shane Walsh’s fine drumming, which is technically sound, yet powerful. He proves to be the driving force not only in this song, but throughout the whole record.

Just as abruptly and aggressive as Greener Pastures opens, it closes in a similar fashion. “Absent Kids Count” has melodic guitar lines courtesy of Bob Elder and Wes Young, which are backed by some locked down bass and drums and a spastic conclusion. Some guest vocals are also contributed by Pianos Become The Teeth frontman, Kyle Durfey. It is loud and obnoxious, yet extremely enjoyable to listen to. This song acts as a bookend to the entire piece.

What Octaves has given us is an eight-song glimpse of what’s to come for not only the band’s future, but for heavy/hardcore music in general. Rarely does a heavier band ever have the ability to create an album that is so readily accessible for those who wouldn’t usually listen or have any interest in this certain genre of music, but is something that I honestly believe they do, and do exceedingly well. This says a lot about the band as musicians, and should be commended. No matter what style or genre music you adhere too, if someone is able to break this barrier, it’s definitely worth stopping and taking notice of. Greener Pastures is out April 24th, courtesy of Hotfoot Records. Purchase the album here.

Octaves are:

Phil Fossler

Bob Elder

Wes Young

Tony Savero

Shane Walsh