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There are many bands in Houma that are trying to make a way for themselves in the world of music and entertainment.
Some of these bands have better chances than others at achieving this goal. Most will give up on the goal of breaking through in the music industry and settle for something else in life. I believe the band Ravens of October not only has a good chance of achieving this goal, but they have the talent to do it as well. I also believe that the members will never settle on anything less than success.
Elvis Adams is the lead vocalist for Ravens of October. Alex Alfortish and Adam Clement share the guitar duties. Alex Bergeron keeps the grooves steady on the bass guitar, and Tim Belanger brings his unique style of percussion to round out the lineup.
Individually these are five of the most sought after and talented musicians working in Houma today. Put them together, and you get an epic version of a rock band with a sound that is quite remarkable. If I had to give examples of similar bands, then I would say that their sound is closer to that of Failure or A Perfect Circle, but with their own brand of awesome sprinkled on top.
The band has only been around for a fairly short time; however, they are growing in popularity with the alternative music-loving fans of south Louisiana.
Ravens of October is the result of many hours of discussion between co-workers. A majority of its members work at the same Houma instrument retailer, C&M Music, which led to them being affectionately nicknamed the C&M band.
Alfortish, Belanger, Clement and Adams often had discussions during work about their favorite bands, musical styles and what it would be like if they, themselves, were in a band together. What would be the byproduct? The question of who would play bass came up, and the answer was clear. Clement and Bergeron were once members of Deadboy and the Elephantmen together; therefore, Bergeron would fill the spot. The five of them started to jam, and before anyone knew it, Ravens of October was another name gracing the flyers and music bills of local shows.
Ravens of October are hard at work recording new tracks for their debut CD. Clement’s recording company Dead Swamp Studios is handling the CD’s production. Dead Swamp has served a plethora of recognizable local artists in recent years, including Fire at the Empire, Johnny on Coke, The Ta Ta Destroyers, Don Puebla and the Shawls, and more recently Rick Flavored Arsenal.
The album is set to feature anywhere from eight to 10 original tracks. It will be finished and mastered sometime between January and March with plans for a CD-release show to follow soon thereafter.
I recently sat down with Belanger and discussed a few things about the band and its future. Once they have successfully finished recording their CD and it’s released, they will almost immediately go into the writing process for the next album while promoting their debut. I asked him what differentiates R.O.O. from other bands, and he responded: “No one is really out there doing what were trying to do. We want to make music that reaches a broader variety of people. We want to go bigger and better than anyone from here has gone before. Most importantly we want the fans to have a real connection with our music and for them to feel that connection when they see us play live.”
So far the group is having no problem obtaining this goal. Hundreds of fans make it almost impossible to walk through the Brickhouse Tavern on Main Street during the band’s latest show. The faces are all entranced and fixed upon the stage absorbing the feast of music that their ears are currently being served. It is quite obvious to see that R.O.O. has no problem connecting with the audience.
Ravens of October have a sound that is sure to appeal to some more than others, but those who do connect with the music will find themselves taking a journey into the mind of five creative and talented gentlemen that only travel deeper down the rabbit hole.
Follow the group on Facebook for updates on shows and further news on their upcoming debut CD release. Take my advice and make it to a show in the near future. You are sure to have your mind blown by an array of amazing music.
Tim Belanger, drummer for Ravens of October, readies for rehearsal. The Houma-based super group is growing in popularity, writes columnist Alex Martin.
