Mostly Autumn Records (label)
01 November 2010 (released)
08 November 2010
Mostly Autumn have been around for thirteen years now, and built up a solid catalogue of work and a loyal following. One had the impression that they were happy to trundle on, selling a few records and filling minor to middling venues. However, circumstances have put Mostly Autumn at an intriguing situation. Heather Findlay, their frontwoman since their inception, left and Olivia Sparnenn was promoted to lead vocals. Could this be an opportunity for the band to go into a new direction?
Well, it doesn’t sound hopeful as the opener For All We Shared gets under way and we are off with an overused Celtic theme, which then leads to a rather pedestrian slab of MOR. Despite the song Sparnenn’s vocals are excellent and amply fill the gap left by Findlay. In fact she is first class throughout the album in particular on the beautiful and plaintive Violet Skies.
What comes across more than the new vocalist is Bryan Josh’s guitar work which gives the album a slightly more abrasive edge than usual. That’s evident from the hard rocking Deep in Borrowdale which allows Josh to let go a bit with a fine solo as he does in slightly plodding Something Better.
The title track is a haunting, hypnotic song that builds up a genuine air of menace about it. Some may hear some Gilmour era Floyd and even Animals in the song, but it’s only a trace and doesn't detract from its power. We are back in Eire for Back to Life followed by Hold the Sun which after a brooding start actually ends up being quite chirpy though Josh and Sparnenn’s dual vocal doesn’t really work. Another terrific guitar solo though.
The album ends with And When the War is Over... which could have been a triumph. It’s a slowburner which builds up reverently with yet more spiffing guitar work. But for the third time we are flung across the Irish Sea, Olivia Sparnenn’s soaring vocals almost salvage the song, but in the end we are left clambering up the Giants Causeway.
Long term fans will probably enjoy this and note the slight change of direction. Whether this will attract new listeners, even in these Prog friendly times, is harder to tell.
