- After lying dormant for a couple of years, October (aka Bristol’s Julian Smith) managed to score something of a hit with his first single ‘Three Drops’ for the fledgling Caravan label. Not only was the single whipped into circulation by the likes of Len Faki, Thomas Schumacher, Slam and many more, but based on its strengths, October was signed for a future single with Ripperton’s Perspectiv imprint. Meanwhile, his second 12” on Caravan has arrived to put the newfound success to the test. Sadly, the Invitation EP is not quite as good as ‘Three Drops’, but it is still melodically strong while retaining the same beguiling charm and playfulness.
Of the three tracks, the title track lets the side down. Scratchy high hats and slightly awkward 80s-sounding bass beats get bogged down in gloopy synth lines and the effect isn’t so danceable. The overall sound design comes across a little clumsy and rushed, while the smattering of sampled vocals and electro sounds aren’t enough to rescue things either.
October is best at fluid changes through melody and ambient space, and the two remaining tracks capture this side of him better. The epic ten-minute track ‘Tape’ is both more experimental and more uplifting than ‘Invitation’, contrasting textured and clipped vocals with a straight 4/4 and an impressive chain of melodic invention. Rising and falling, ‘Tape’ breathes deeply and vividly, and while it’s perhaps not a peak time hit, it is satisfying and compelling.
The digital-only track ‘Listen, Move, Dance’ kicks off almost like a Herbert track with an organic low-end, nervously fluttering percussion, and a cascade of analogue drone washes, bells and chimes. Everything moves forward gradually rather than relentlessly, and again, the flood of changes are compelling without being necessarily banging club material.
Fascinating without being perfect, this EP proves October is a name to watch.
TracklistA Invitation
AA Tape
Digital: Listen, Move, Dance