I have reviewed Ángel Ontalva’s music quite a lot these last few years, but when it comes to October Equus, the band he initially became famous for, it’s been more than ten years since I had a go at writing about that band. Founded nearly twenty years ago, they played instrumental progressive rock from the beginning, but comparing their earlier material to their current sixth album Noches Blancas, Luces Rojas, it’s obvious that the musicians matured quite a lot over time.

Founding members Ángel Ontalva (guitar, bass) and Víctor Rodríguez (keyboards) are still on board, although drummer Avelino Saavedra is new to the line-up, and bassoon player John Falcone also only joined on the previous album. It’s especially the latter whose instrument has been giving October Equus a really unique sound since je joined the band.

The album consists of one long track and five shorter ones. The twenty-four-minute-long title track starts the album with a multi-movement suite that sits somewhere between Rock in Opposition, progressive rock and modern classical music. The bassoon parts draw parallels to Henry Cow’s Lindsay Cooper, but the overall gloomy atmosphere might also recall artists like Univers Zero and Art Zoyd. Ángel Ontalva’s lyrical guitar playing might at times remind of King Crimson’s Robert Fripp. Yet don’t get me wrong: October Equus have found their own niche and can’t be accused of being copycats.

While it takes a lot of patience and guts to get through this austere epic, you will eventually be rewarded by a lot of memorable parts and highest quality performances. While the title track has been lying around for many years, going back to the band’s founding years, and having been composed and arranged by the guitarist, the following five shorter tracks, all running between three and eight minutes, have been penned by keyboarder Víctor Rodríguez. Let us not make this a pissing contest, because I can’t say whose material I prefer. The sheer audacity of a side-long mammoth track is of course impressive, but Rodríguez’ material is also very captivating, with maybe a jazzier approach and an overall more accessible touch.

Just having a look at Ángel Ontalva’s Bandcamp page will make you dizzy: there are dozens and dozens of releases, some by October Equus, but also collaborations with Vespero, solo material and recording with Seaorm, a trio with musicians from the aforementioned Vespero. I wonder how he manages to still come up with such great music. Does his day have more than twenty-four hours? Be that as it may, Noches Blancas, Luces Rojas, while not being an instant pleaser, is so far the best entry in October Equus’ catalogue. You need to give it time, but with enough patience, it will unravel all of its secrets and wonders. It is a well worth listening experience for every fan of demanding and sophisticated instrumental progressive rock.

6 songs

51:32 minutes

***** ****

Genre: instrumental progressive rock

Label: octoberXart

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