THE SPIRIT OF AUTUMN PAST

I discovered this band from this site and have seen them live twice in the last two weeks. This was my first studio album of theirs and it has to be said that it is already one of my all time favourite albums. The playing from all the members is exquisite, Heather Findlay's voice is marvellous and Bryan Josh (who freely admits he can't sing) actually does a very good job on the tracks where he takes the lead as well as being an excellent guitarist. Musically, they have elements of many of the great bands of the 70s, especially Renaissance, Tull and Floyd with Celtic elements thrown in, but they are completely individual, not copies. This album has a lot of folk influences but they can rock when they choose. Winter Mountain is a superb opener with an addictive hook and a lovely quiet middle section, Evergreen is simply one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard and the folky, mainly instrumental tracks in the middle (Styhead Tarn/Shindig/Blakey Ridge/When Waters Meet) make me want to get up and dance; full of flute, violin and amazing keyboards. The Spirit of Autumn Past and the Gap is too Wide form a brilliant conclusion with Troy Donockley's haunting pipes forming the outro. The other tracks are all enjoyable and grow on you with time; there is nothing here that could possibly be classed as filler. The production and sound is near perfect and I also love the artwork; the front and back photos are taken in one of my favourite pubs, the Lion Inn at Blakey in North Yorkshire, a place that they (and I) have a real affinity for. To conclude, they are simply the best band currently active and this album is a total gem; they deserve far wider recognition. Rating? 5* by a mile. If you don't have it, you are missing out on a real treat.