Mostly Autumn's triumphant return

It's never easy for a band to replace their lead singer, and when that singer is as long-standing, popular and talented as Heather Findlay, it's just that bit harder. When Heather left earlier this year it cast a shadow of doubt over the future of the band. Fortunately backing-singer of 5 years Olivia Sparnenn stepped up to the plate and took over duties at live shows throughout 2010, all the while recording the band's new album.

I have been fortunate in recent years to have heard album tracks live before listening to the studio albums. In 2008 I attended the Glass Shadows launch tour, purchasing the album from the merch stand on the way in. And last weekend, we attended the first gig of the Go Well, Diamond Heart tour in Wath-upon-Dearne.

As is usual for Mostly Autumn gigs, there was no support. Instead, the band played a 2.5 hour set with half an hour break in the middle. Covering some classics from earlier in the band's career, and even throwing in one of Olivia's own songs, the set list was, of course, predominantly concerned with the new material.

Dressed in her trademark thigh-length boots and tiny dress (no hotpants this time), this was Olivia's first time playing the new material live, and she seemed a bit nervous. A few early sound issues caused problems, but by the end of the first half she had found her feet. After the short interval she returned to the stage confident and comfortable. This is a transition period for the band, but based on their "first night" performance, things are well in Mostly Autumn.

One of the wonderful things I have always found about Mostly Autumn songs is that, even after only hearing them once, they are familiar. Like I've always known them, but didn't realise it until now. Even after only listening to the songs during the gig and briefly glancing the liner notes, putting the album on was like revisiting an old friend I never knew I had.

I was very pleasantly surprised to find that, despite being a very different singer, Olivia is more than capable doing classic songs justice. Passengers and Evergreen, in particular, were familiar yet subtly different. And very enjoyable to hear.

The album title itself is clearly a nod toward Heather Findlay. A final farewell, if you will. Nostalgia abound, the first track is named for the band's first album, For All We Shared. Starting out with one of Mostly Autumn's signature instrumental intros, slowly building into a beautiful opening track. Both Olivia and Bryan sing on this one, and Olivia is certainly making the role her own.

There are several themes to the album, ranging from the deeply pessimistic [Something Better] to the melancholic [For All We Shared and Violet Skies] and the very optimistic [Go Well, Diamond Heart and And When The War Is Over...] War is central to many of the songs, specifically dealing with the futility and waste. Recycled a little, maybe, but very much consistent for Bryan's songs. Even cowboys and Caesar get a mention in Something Better. I don't think he's denying Hitler a sausage this time, though¹.

Go Well does seem to dispense further with  the folk sounds of previous albums. In fact, the band's entire direction seems to have changed from Prog Folk to pure Prog Rock. The lineup on stage consisted of guitars, bass, drums and keyboards. And of course a tambourine. But no flute, for example, to complete the folk line up. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, seeing as I am a fan of rock music, but I'm sure others are irked by it. Apparently Glass Shadows received some mediocre reviews, but I loved it.

So I suppose the big questions need answering. Can Olivia take Heather's place? Most definitely. In fact, I would question whether anybody else could even try. In both vocal talent and style she is a perfect fit. And can Mostly Autumn continue to thrive? Of course. This is a new era for the band, but also a continuation of trends evident in the last few albums. And they still put on a great show.

1. Knowing  Josh & Co reference. Listen to Through These Eyes to find out what I'm on about.