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Kavus Torabi — October by Name
(Bandcamp no#, 2026, CD / LP / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2026-10-27

October by Name Cover art

In the crowded universe of Kavus Torabi, which includes recent releases by both Gong and Cardiacs, October by Name might seem almost like a side project. But while it contains only six tracks and lasts a little over a half hour, it’s another brilliant reminder of what Torabi can do on his own. One of the first things a listener might notice is that there are almost no drums on the album, just a luscious wash of guitars, keyboards, and vocals, so there is a gentleness about the music that focuses attention on the songwriting and the creative arrangements. Certainly it’s psychedelic as all get-out, with trippy effects, jangly guitars, and oblique lyrics. I’ve often noted in reviews that some music may be beautiful but lack depth, and October by Name avoids that trap magnificently. The opening track, “Signals Shine,” starts out with a somewhat innocent-sounding piano part, though buried in the chords are occasional dissonant notes that lend a poignancy to the lovely vocal melody. The additional layers of guitars and vocal parts remain intimate in spite of the many parts, leading me to think of the phrase “subtle grandeur,” if that makes any sense. “In Her Radiance” sneaks in with what might be backwards guitar, and then features a repeating motif on the organ that in another context could almost fit into a math-rock track (it is in seven, after all), but serves instead to anchor a floating melody and guitar arpeggios that could fit into an early Genesis tune. “Water into Wine” is a bit more straightforward, punctuating some sections with drums that are low in the mix. “From the Storm” acts as a way station for weary travelers, with slow-moving chords built around an organ and a flow that builds slowly then retreats into obscurity. “My Shameful Namesake” is a catchy jaunt in 5/4 with ringing guitars and understated drums. And the album finishes off with “Ancestor’s Song,” a long, slow journey from near-silence to a kind of intense calm and then back again. This album is highly recommended for listeners who appreciate texture and melody.

Filed under: New releases, 2026 releases

Related artist(s): Kavus Torabi

More info
http://kavustorabi.bandcamp.com/album/october-by-name

 

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