Octobre ~ Canada

Octobre. 1973 PGP
Les Nouvelles Terres. 1974 Les Disques Zodiac
Survivance. 1975 Trans-World
Live Chants Dans La Nuit. 1978 CBS (2xLP)

Clandestins. 1981 Kebec

***L'autoroute Des Rêves (1977) reissued by Sony in 1991

Survivance (1975)

Survivance is the 3rd album from Quebec's Octobre. In a nutshell, Survivance takes in both the previous two albums and finds itself at the crossroads of progressive rock and pop music, while ditching the folk rock tendencies of the past. Somewhat like a Quebecois Supertramp, lead by strong keyboard work, excellent lead guitars, and fine vocals in French. The wordless female vocals recall Contraction (which makes sense given they are provided by Christiane Robichaud) and the overall style points to Morse Code's mid 70's work. The two instrumental tracks that open each side highlight this middle-tier work. The pop songs need more substance to take Survivance to the next level, and the fact it's a short album, there just isn't enough time to make a good case. On the high side of good, but it's still just good.

3/17/19 (review)

Les Nouvelles Terres (1974)

Les Nouvelles Terres takes the progressive rock / folk pop of the debut towards a more serious direction. Imagine Contraction playing the music of Ange, and you'll have a good idea where Octobre's sophomore album lands. It's a bit vocal heavy (all in French) and drags in places, but still a fine album for fans of Quebecois progressive rock.

5/27/11 (review)

Priority: 3

These were in the main list prior, but never featured.

***The first two albums have been reissued on vinyl by Return to Analog.

3/9/25 (new entry)