01	Fading Colours						08:27
	02	Half A World						04:50
	03	Pocket Watch						04:20
	04	Blue Light						04:58
	05	Walk With A Storm						07:51
	06	Find The Sun						05:35
	07	Ghost						05:27
	08	Broken						05:11
	09	Silver Glass						07:10
	10	Further From Home						06:26
	11	Dreaming						08:37

Mostly Autumn - Heart Full Of Sky
Mostly Autumn - Heart Full Of Sky
Country of Origin: UK
Format: CD
Record Label: Independent
Catalogue #: AUTO933
Year of Release: 2007
Time: 68:58
Info: Mostly Autumn
Samples: Click here

Tracklist: Fading Colours (8:25), Half A World (4:50), Pocket Watch (4:20), Blue Light (4:58), Walk With A Storm (7:51), Find The Sun (5:32), Ghost (5:27), Broken (5:11), Silver Glass (7:12), Further From Home (6:27), Dreaming (8:36)

One glance at the artwork and this is unmistakably the latest CD from Mostly Autumn with obvious similarities to the covers of the last two studio albums Storms Over Still Water and Passengers. But how do they compare musically? For my money Heart Full Of Sky mirrors the shift in style of its predecessors and takes it one step further. The combination of Celtic and Floydian influences are less prevalent whilst incorporating a contemporary (albeit very polished) British pop/rock sound. In my opinion it’s a healthy move with a fresher sound that’s anything but predictable. The band have not completely abandoned their roots however demonstrated by a sprinkling of folk tinged ballads and progy instrumental workouts. The music draws upon the talents of a variety of vocalists and musicians that gives it a certain edge over other current prog releases. My review copy is the commercially available single CD version although a limited edition double has been available on the bands website which I believe is now out of stock.

Bryan Josh remains the bands guiding light credited with writing six out of the eleven songs in addition to his guitar, keyboard, vocal and production duties. He co-wrote two further songs with joint lead singer Heather Findlay who contributes one song of her own. The most obvious change is the departure last year of Iain Jennings keyboard player since the bands inception. Replacement Chris Johnson composed two songs and provides the lead vocals on one of them sounding not unlike Heather. Otherwise it’s the usual MA suspects including Angela Gordon flute, clarinet and recorders, Andy Smith bass, Liam Davison slide guitars and Andrew Jennings drums. Since this recording both Davison and Jennings have subsequently left the band with ex-Karnataka drummer Gavin Griffiths replacing the latter. Vocalist Olivia Sparnenn who is no stranger to the band is also now credited as a full time member. They are joined by a host of guest musicians who I’ll endeavour to name check along the way.

They cut to the chase with the infectious Fading Colours providing an excellent opening statement that sums up where the band is at right now. Strident orchestral keys that include a touch of eerie Genesis style mellotron drive Heather’s sultry vocal joined by Bryan for the powerful chorus. A searing guitar break and strong bass lines add impact with an overuse of cymbal splashes in the drum work being the only complaint. In a shorter version this would make an excellent single. This time they break with tradition and do not include the closing moments from the last album to open, opting instead for a tranquil version of the chorus from Heather. Half A World is another strong track with Heather’s soulful vocal matched by a smooth organ sound and delicate classical guitar. The memorable chorus is followed by a dramatic finale with soaring guitar and organ.

Pocket Watch is a major departure for MA with an almost grungy but measured guitar riff supporting one of Josh’s best ever vocals that has more than a hint of Oasis about it. This song is likely to divide the opinion of most fans but the brilliantly timed final extended chorus should win everyone over as will the autobiographical style lyrics. The elegant Blue Light couldn’t be more of a contrast with Heather’s sensuous vocal and beautiful backing from Anne-Marie Helder. Angela Gordon’s sweet sounding flute stands out against the symphonic backdrop. It builds to a grandiose coda with soaring guitar and keys once again to the fore. The aptly titled Walk With A Storm is filled with moments of high drama not the least the spiky guitar and Hammond punctuations from guest David Moore. It really takes off when the violin of Peter Knight and uilleann pipes of Troy Donockley join to create an ethereal sound that develops into an orchestral climax. Knight is of course the legendary fiddler with Steeleye Span whilst Donockley’s long association with MA is eclipsed only by his work with Iona.

Find The Sun makes good use of Knight’s playing with his sumptuous double tracked violin work providing the focal point around which the rest of the song hangs. Heather’s fragile vocal and Bryan’s lyrical classical guitar provide sublime support. Ghost sees the two leads sharing vocal duties with standout performances from both. The songs stately pace is broken only by a powerful guitar break and atmospheric cascading keys. Broken has one of the albums simplest arrangements but is none the less effective. The song ebbs and flows with Heather’s sensitive vocal against a smooth backdrop of piano and symphonic keys. Silver Glass seems to pick up from where the previous song left off although this time with Chris Johnson supplying the vocals. This is a very mature piece with an excellent chorus and accomplished piano from Johnson. String drenched keys, relaxed drum fills, melodic guitar and heavenly backing vocals are all part of the beautifully crafted arrangement.

Opening with Donockley’s haunting low whistle and a pulsating piano rhythm from Josh Further From Home finds the band in Pink Floyd territory with sustained electric guitar breaks and choral female voices. Up to this point Josh has remained relatively restrained in the guitar department but here he indulges in some full blown soloing. Bombastic orchestral keys paves the way for a stirring variation of the albums opening song this time with all the pomp and majesty the band can muster. Powerful stuff! They go out in style with Dreaming with Heather’s reflective vocal contrasting nicely against Bryan’s powerful phrasing for the dramatic chorus. With epic guitar and keys leading the way the song takes several twists and turns before massed choral voices and stately guitar builds to an extravagant Mike Oldfield style finale. A sensational close to a brilliant album.

There very little I can add to the above except to say that this album is an absolute must for MA fans or indeed anybody else for that matter. This is a band at the top of their game with first class musicianship, singing, song writing and production. The music has depth and diversity and the delivery is assured and confident. Bryan Josh’s performance is excellent throughout. There are still traces of Gilmour and Rothery in the guitar work but his own style is now more clearly defined. Heather Findlay has never sounded better and Chris Johnson is certainly a major asset adding a new dimension to the bands sound. Everyone else involved can be justly proud of their contributions. Is this my album of the year? Unless something better comes along most definitely! You can be assured however that it will take some beating.

Conclusion: 9 out of 10

GEOFF FEAKES