Mostly Autumn – For All We Shared

Details :

• Year of release : 1998
• Label : Cyclops CYCL080
• Review format : CD

Well, fancy Bill setting me the task of reviewing the debut album of one of the bands high on my current favourites list to open my Rock Of Ages account. On that score you would think it was a walk in the park for a fan to write something favourable about this album, however on this occasion it might not quite be the case. You see, my love affair with Mostly Autumn didn’t start ‘til 4 or maybe 5 years after this release. Since then the band has gone through various line up and direction changes, which even included the reworking of many tracks on this album to the versions I enjoy both live and on CD so much today.

Opener Nowhere To Hide starts with the wind howling and a distant, seemingly drunken rendition of “Why Was He Born So Beautiful” before excellent harmonised vocals then some subtle acoustic guitars leads into the song proper. Bumped along by the bass guitar this up tempo song immediately shows where the Pink Floyd comparisons came from, with Bryan Josh’s vocals more than bringing David Gilmore to mind. Disappointingly though Heather Findlay remains, as she does throughout much of this album, in a backing vocals role. Porcupine Rain is neatly segued via acoustic guitars a mid tempo track with yet more great harmonies often between the singing and keyboards. Another mid tempo number, maybe slightly guilty of repeated vocals, though it does slide perfectly into the next song The Last Climb via the gentle ending resplendent with birdsong. Some excellent work from Mr. Josh, adds massively to the sound. If you think a guitars’ sound doesn’t have emotion then this will certainly turn your head.

Heroes Never Die follows, still one of my favourite tracks live, this is Bryan’s tribute to his late father. Passionate and emotive, the gentle beginning giving way to the heavier yet intricate guitar, Heather again splendid on the backing vocals. A truly superb piece. As has so much of their future material, there is a healthy dose of nature at work throughout this album dealing with the frailties of life and the certainty of death. Here, using heartfelt lyrics, which seem to paint an idealistic picture of happiness and serenity, they deal with an obviously personal loss so perfectly. Absolutely the stand out track on the album!

Rightly or wrongly I am going to lump Folklore, Shenanigans and Boundless Ocean into one. These are Folky Celtic influenced pieces, which in a live setting are highly entertaining, though to be honest, not really my preferred choice of listening at home. Included are Mostly Autumn’s arrangements of traditional tunes and for the main part work well, though as I said not really my cup of tea. It must be noted however many longstanding fans would prefer this to the rockier more progressive sound.

Steal Away is the first hint of the future, the one where Heather gets to lead the vocals, quite why she was so underused on this album is beyond me. In this ballad she showcases her talents, admirably accompanied at the start by quiet keyboards and flutes that gradually build to a fine finish.

Out Of The Inn is great fun. Beginning with a reading of Tolkeins poem “The Man In The Moon Stayed Up Too Late” a flute fest if ever there was one, strong folk influences at the start of this instrumental building to one of the rockier moments on here. Also hinting at the bands interest in all things Tolkein, which would later manifest itself in the “Lord Of The Rings” album. It’s worth noting that despite the heavy folk leanings of this piece, I actually find it very listenable, especially when the guitar takes up the lead.

The finale is The Night Sky and what a way to close the album. Just as the album begins with the sound of the howling wind so does it end. Another song that gradually picks up pace, guitar and violin cleverly working together, helping to create yet more wonderful atmospherics. As at the start the song ends with the instruments fading out ‘til we’re left with just the sound of the whistling wind to accompany our thoughts as we contemplate the beginnings of this excellent band.

Summary : Whilst there is still a lot worth talking about and certainly hearing, this album is not the introduction to the band that I would recommend, well not for your average rock fan anyway. I know Bill’s favoured medium for music is vinyl; this album for me would probably be a prime example of one where I would play one side and completely ignore the second side. It’s been a tricky task for me to admit I am not particularly keen on the whole of an album by a band I hold in such high regard. Then again, Mostly Autumn have so many different facets, there is something here for everyone, rockers folkies and progsters. This is the album where the Pink Floyd comparisons stemmed from. Which, whilst somewhat justified, it seems to have held the band back over the years. I could have drawn comparisons from any of the many other influences I hear in this, such as Blackmore, Genesis and Fleetwood Mac but the only tag, which seems to have dogged them, is one of Gilmore led Floyd. Of the 10 or so musicians on this album only Bryan Josh and Heather Findlay remain in the current line up, though Angela Gordon (nee Goldthorpe) who’s credited as an additional musician is now a full member of the band.

If You Listen To One Track Listen To : Heroes Never Die

Score : 2.5/5

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“Out Of The Inn” performed live in concert recently…

DH