STORMS OVER STILL WATER

Let me preface my remarks by stating right up front that this is not the kind of music that I would typically listen to. I usually gravitate towards jazz-fusion or the classic '70s progressive sound. (See my other reviews.) But this band was referenced many times by other reviews or websites of other prog bands, so I've sampled their music with their "...Anthology..." cd, as well as others.

Initially I felt that Mostly Autumn's music was too derivative of other bands, a little slow-paced and formulaic. But I did enjoy the vocals, the catchy refrains and the long, slow guitar solo outro's to many of the songs (reminiscent of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" or "On The Turning Away"). I certainly didn't WORSHIP any of their cd's, as some of the ardent fans of this band undoubtedly do. BUT....there was always something - enchanting? mysterious? dangerous yet hopeful? - that had me returning to the cds for another listen. I must be gradually succumbing to their charms - this band is VERY GOOD.

If you're familiar with the Mostly Autumn sound, "SOSW" entertains with the usual MA fantasy/contemplative/poetic lyrics, sung well by Bryan Josh and Heather Findlay, the latter of whom gets a little more aggressive in spots on this CD. Three-minute songs start off the album; I was almost surprised at the brevity of the songs, especially when they're good and you'd like to see how far the band could go with them. The three longer songs that end the album are more typical of the Mostly Autumn song structure, and EXCELLENT ones at that (loosely held together with the sound of rushing wind between songs).

Overall, I like this album better than any that the band has done before it, and I do think it is very good. Personally, it dragged a bit for me in the middle few tracks where MA didn't seem to break any new ground and stretch out like they have the ability to do. And the two short instrumentals on the CD ("Coming To..." and the album closer "Tomorrow") are unremarkable as stand-alone pieces, and probably could have been worked into certain passages of other songs. But Mostly Autumn is developing a much more unique sound as a band, and showing a greater variety of songs on their recent albums. There are still some Celtic references, but those are better balanced with some heavier passages too. And the production and recording quality of this cd is just fabulous - a real treat for your aural pleasure!

Mostly Autumn is definitely more folk and classic rock than traditional prog, but there's also an overall technical proficiency to the band that allows it to overlap into the progressive rock domain. Their songwriting continues to be impressive, and they can cast a subtle spell over the listener if one simply leans back and lets the words and music wash over him/her. I recommend this cd as the best from a very entertaining band.