THE VILLAGE TO THE VALE

A brilliant album with folk choral type vocals set over some very pastoral music (despite the presence of drums). Unusual with an amazing male lead vocalist (Robbie Wilson) and interesting use of organ, strings, horns and effects (recorded in a church??) With only one song clocking in at less than five minutes--and three over seven--I'm not sure this album deserves the "Crossover" label--think "Folk" label much more appropriate--though band calls themselves Post Rock/Modern Classical--both of which there are definite presences. There is even a strong feel of church chorale influence. As Robbie sings--and the effects cause a church-like echo--one cannot help but feel transported to some sacred or angelic venue. Amazing to have this kind of voice singing over the Post Rock/Folk Rock music! "Progressive" in the truest sense of the word. I cannot yet give this album 5 stars "masterpiece" status for I have only listened to it twice on progstreaming.com and once since buying it from bandcamp.com, but I want to. It is definitely a stunning album, start to finish. Reminds me of Fleet Foxes and The Decemberists, playing over music by Sigur Ròs and Radiohead.

Check it out, everybody!

This album seemed to have quite a bit of promise, as I was looking forward to the mixture of symphonic prog, folk, and rock. However, I can't seem to get into this album at all. It's not that it is bad, it just isn't my cup of tea.

Right off the bat, the singer reminds me of the singer in the band Infictions. I don't believe they are one and the same, but I would be fooled. They sound almost identical. This also means that the vox have an indie rock spin to them. I'm not a huge fan of this, but it's okay. I also noticed the conspicuous lack of guitar through much of the album; but, when it arrives, it is standard indie fare. I'm not a huge fan of this either.

Yet, I would still enjoy the album if there were more, I don't know, "meat" to the sound. There are symphonic passages, and I would normally love these parts. Yet, they seem soulless and just average. In fact, much of the album is rather ambient in nature: Ambient symphonics play as the vocalist sings---not much else happens. Altogether, it is an interesting band, but not one that I really like particularly. Add to all this that the album seems to center around lovesick frivolities, and I really am not horribly interested in listening to it more than I have already.

Old English horizons

I like the coincidence that at the time I stumbled across this little treasure recorded in the Sussex countryside, I happened to be watching a story about a ninth century Wessex king trying to fend off the invading Northmen. Perfect music for such images. Autumn Chorus, residing in Brighton, have been around for many years but this 2012 disc is their sole release to date.

The soft and pastoral sound of Autumn Chorus is perfect backdrop to any exploration of old south England, as triumphant as tattered flags with dragons, as worn as hardened dirt paths connecting one small village to another. I would call the sound post-rock mixed with folk-progressive and light symphonic influences. A woodsy vibe mixed with ambient rock, Yorke like vocals and wide cinematic post rock scope. The guitars shimmer throughout over very dense soundscape and lilting piano. Occasional strings, flute, and female vocals add wonderful atmospheres when the come in. At times the lovely acoustic guitar parts even reminded me of Ant Phillips. As some mentioned this album doesn't rock in the conventional sense, it mostly moves at a glacial pace and rewards the patient listener. They spent a lot of time trying to make sure everything was just perfect, like a director waiting for the right light for a shot. It really is an album you can get lost in. This is the work of great friends and it is a lovely recording though not a masterpiece in my book. Beautiful and well worth hearing though.