October Gold

October Gold is an alt-folk duo out of Canada that seems to be gaining in popularity and recognition around the world. Now, I'm basically a book blogger and I'm even less 'qualified' to be commenting on music than books. But October Gold has the distinction of getting much of their inspiration from Steven Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series (my review), of which I am a big fan. All of the lyrics from their new album are taken directly from poems and even excerpts of the series, primarily from the last two books.

So when I was contacted by Kit of October Gold about taking a listen to their new album (apparently at Steven Erikson's suggestion), I was eager to give it a go. In short, I really enjoyed it. Erikson's Malazan series does a lot, but at it's heart it is an exploration of humanity, particularly tragedy and hopelessness, though ultimately hope for the future does win out. The songs that October Gold have put together using Erikson's writing capture the powerful humanity of the Malazan series, and make for some really great music.

I'm certainly not a music critic, but I can't write this post without saying at least a few things that are more specific and related to my personal taste (I have no reference point for commenting on actual musical talent and composition beyond personal taste). The CD begins with "Song of the Last Prayer" which to me sounds like it's straight out of an episode of Firefly - to me this is a very good thing. And while I'd have probably been quite happy with a CD devoted to such a style, the next few songs pleasantly proved that October Gold has a wide range of styles they use to explore their music through. My favorites are probably "Song of the Last Prayer", "Dust of Dreams", "Gallan's Hope", and "Where Ravens Perch". And I simply must say, that I couldn't help but wish at times that the lead singer's voice was about 2 octaves lower because I think a Leonard Cohen-like musical narration and arrangement of these songs could be just about the coolest thing ever. But that says more about my own eclectic tastes than anything else.

So, fans of music and Malazan will want to check this out. And while I think anyone without knowledge of Malazan can enjoy this music a lot (after all, the themes are universal), I think Malazan fans are in for a special treat.

Below I have few samples of the music and info about October Gold that I was able to get my hands on. So, sample, enjoy and go get some great music if you like it.
- Neth Space

Husband and wife folk-pop duo October Gold spin dense acoustic-minded tales involving characters who have a need and an affinity for a more pastoral way of life–mirroring, I would imagine, the group’s own personal beliefs. The graceful, bucolic ease with which singer/songwriter Kit Soden and violinist Aliza Thibodeau approach their songs feels inviting and communal in a way that is often missing from their alt-folk brethren. Inclusive without seeming to pander, and earnest without pointlessly strumming their listener’s heartstrings, Soden and Thibodeau allow their music to unfurl naturally, never forcing notes where they don’t belong and allowing the songs to exist without any overt outside interference. Their latest album, Bridge of the Sun, folds tightly-knit folk rhythms with lyrics drawn from author Steven Erikson’s best-selling series, The Malazon Book of the Fallen.

For the video to Bridge-cut “Old Stones,” the band explores a more literal interpretation of the lyrics. Interspersed with scenes of Soden and Thibodeau performing in a gorgeous studio atmosphere, there are quick images and clips of visits to graveyards, cathedrals, and stone-covered streets. These scenes of rustic beauty pair perfectly with the spry acoustic fretwork and striking, though somewhat somber, melodies of Thibodeau’s violin. The rhythmic complexity of the track, composed with the casual ease of people who know each other’s musical proclivities inside and out, never feels showy or ostentatious but permits the vocal harmonies and instrumental interchange between them to stay center-stage.

Beats Per Minute is pleased to premiere October Gold’s video for “Old Stones,” taken from their recently released album Bridge of the Sun.

-Joshua Pickard - Beats Per Minute

Montreal acoustic alt-folk duo, October Gold are releasing their new album, Bridge of the Sun today. Surviving the Golden Age has the privilege of premiering the album’s latest single, “Song Of The Last Prayer.” The track features acoustic guitar and violin but it has a little more of a dark Balkan vibe than a Mumford and Sons song. It reminds me of something between Destroyer and The French.
-Adam Morgan - Surviving the Golden Age

Montreal acoustic alt-folk duo, October Gold are releasing their new album, Bridge of the Sun today. Surviving the Golden Age has the privilege of premiering the album’s latest single, “Song Of The Last Prayer.” The track features acoustic guitar and violin but it has a little more of a dark Balkan vibe than a Mumford and Sons song. It reminds me of something between Destroyer and The French.
-Adam Morgan - Surviving the Golden Age

Montreal duo October Gold is a collaboration between singer/songwriter Kit Soden and his wife, violinist Aliza Thibodeau. Their breezy, often dense alt-folk rhythms seem to be nestled somewhere between the acoustic intimacy of Bowerbirds and the indie bombast of Arcade Fire. On their 2010 debut album Into the Silence, they brought together over 20 different backing musicians to achieve a grand, cathedral sound to pair with the calmer, more introspective moments. They’ve kept this sense of tonal contrast for their sophomore record Bridge of the Sun, bringing along the words of author Steven Erikson as well. Most of the album’s lyrics are derived from Erikson’s best-selling series, “The Malazon Book of the Fallen.”

The duo have just released the latest single, “Bridge of the Sun,” from their upcoming album, and with its’ waves of acoustic instrumentation and serpentine rhythms, Soden and Thibodeau have fully integrated her classical training with his folk upbringing. By allowing each other’s influences to interweave and bloom outward, “Bridge of the Sun” feels less like the forced coupling of personal preferences and more the unified statement of a band fully immersed in their own insular musical world.

Beats Per Minute is pleased to premiere the title track, “Bridge of the Sun,” from October Gold’s latest record.

- Joshua Pickard, Beats Per Minute - Beats Per Minute

Fusing the hieratic poetry of Steven Erikson with orchestral-pop sweep and glide, the Montreal duo of Kit Soden and Aliza Thibodeau, aka October Gold, traverse light and dark on "Bridge of the Sun." - KDHX

Fusing the hieratic poetry of Steven Erikson with orchestral-pop sweep and glide, the Montreal duo of Kit Soden and Aliza Thibodeau, aka October Gold, traverse light and dark on "Bridge of the Sun." - KDHX

October Gold - BTR Live Studio [ep199]
October Gold works with a simple formula: folksy acoustic guitar plus classically informed violin playing, combined with great pop songwriting equals great, catchy tunes. It's the latest collaboration of Montreal-based singer/songwriter Kit Soden and his partner in music (and life), violinist Aliza Thibodeau. On record, the duo is backed by a full band, producing a lush soundtrack to their tales, but live they keep it simple, with just their go-to acoustic instruments and voices. /// Featured song: “The Old Stones Of This Road (Mother's Lament)” /// Into The Silence, October Gold’s debut album, is available now. /// Complete radio broadcast and playlist: http://b-t-r.co/YkW9ZD - Breakthru Radio

This is a truly beautiful and distinctive album. October Gold - described as an acoustic 'indie-folk duo' and based around the haunting musicianship of Kit Soden (voice and guitar)and Aliza Thibodeau (voice & violin), this album embraces many musical, poetic and graphic talents. Whether it's the drums or harp, the church organ or the mandolin, every contribution is carefully judged to make its point in the musical and poetic texture. Combining classical elements as well as folk, indie and a good helping of nostalgia - and not forgetting the remarkable mixing, recording production and artwork -'Into the Silence' is a delightful and carefully constructed antidote to the hectic excesses of modern living. - Amazon.co.uk

October Gold – Into The Silence (Alderbrooke Records)

Montreal based October Gold is the pairing of Kit Soden and Aliza Thibodeau, though they’ve expanded their line-up somewhat for “Into The Silence”. The album was originally envisaged as a full-band project and eventually over 20 different instruments were used in the final mix, including a church organ, a harp and a brass quintet. It’s to their credit that all that extra oomph does nothing to distract attention from the main performances, and the collection retains a warm, intimate appeal.

Both Soden and Thibodeau sing, and their vocals in harmony are practically the first thing we hear on the album. Its source track, the intricate, beautifully arranged “Riverside” is almost reason enough to invest in their joint musical vision. Their self-confessed influences are nearly all contemporary, but on this first track at least, there’s something of the joie de vie of those early Simon and Garfunkel sides at play. Things immediately get more serious on “Snow Ghosts”. Thibodeau’s violin melody is intense and somber, but ever so lovely, and “The Well” is magnificently dark, with a moody gypsy-noir flourish. Perhaps they’re at their most compelling on the grandiose title track; epic folk-rock, defined in six and a half minutes.
www.octobergold.com
www.facebook.com/Octobergoldmusic
Rob F. - Leicester Bangs

October Gold – Into The Silence (Alderbrooke Records)

Montreal based October Gold is the pairing of Kit Soden and Aliza Thibodeau, though they’ve expanded their line-up somewhat for “Into The Silence”. The album was originally envisaged as a full-band project and eventually over 20 different instruments were used in the final mix, including a church organ, a harp and a brass quintet. It’s to their credit that all that extra oomph does nothing to distract attention from the main performances, and the collection retains a warm, intimate appeal.

Both Soden and Thibodeau sing, and their vocals in harmony are practically the first thing we hear on the album. Its source track, the intricate, beautifully arranged “Riverside” is almost reason enough to invest in their joint musical vision. Their self-confessed influences are nearly all contemporary, but on this first track at least, there’s something of the joie de vie of those early Simon and Garfunkel sides at play. Things immediately get more serious on “Snow Ghosts”. Thibodeau’s violin melody is intense and somber, but ever so lovely, and “The Well” is magnificently dark, with a moody gypsy-noir flourish. Perhaps they’re at their most compelling on the grandiose title track; epic folk-rock, defined in six and a half minutes.
www.octobergold.com
www.facebook.com/Octobergoldmusic
Rob F. - Leicester Bangs