With their new single, titled “Hermine”, San Francisco post-punk outfit Octavian Winters lean into the darker, heavier edges of their sound, delivering a track that is visceral and atmospheric. From the opening seconds, the song erupts with a wall of sound—buzzing guitars, thunderous drumming, and a driving bassline creating an unstoppable momentum that doesn’t let up. Vocalist Ria Aursjoen is the centerpiece here, her performance shifting between commanding strength and raw vulnerability. She revisits her metal roots with a fierce delivery that cuts through the dense instrumental layers, while the lyrics, inspired by Hermann Hesse’s “Steppenwolf”, explore the fractured psyche and the liberating power of self-acceptance. It’s a theme that resonates deeply, giving “Hermine” a psychological weight beneath its sonic intensity. The production captures the best of both worlds: the grit and urgency of classic post-punk, and a modern clarity that allows the band’s nuanced textures to shine through. Guitarist Stephan Salit pays subtle homage to Killing Joke’s Geordie Walker, though the track ultimately stands on its own, channeling a restless, propulsive energy. Meanwhile, drummer Randy Gzebb drives the song forward with relentless precision, making this one of the band’s most dynamic performances to date. Visually paired with David Kruschke’s stark black-and-white film, “Hermine” cements Octavian Winters’ growing reputation as one of the Bay Area’s most exciting post-punk exports. Following their acclaimed EP “The Line or Curve” and their collaboration with Mark Pistel, this new chapter finds them expanding their range while staying true to their identity.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
