LIVE 2009 - PART I

In some ways "Live 2009 Part 1" has the same setlist as the one on "That Night In Leamington". For some reason the band opted to release this in 2 parts but it would have been better as one 2 CD album similar to others such as "Still Beautiful". It opens with the dynamic "Heart Full Of Sky" gem 'Fading Colours'. This is followed by wonderful Heather Findlay taking central vocals on the rocking riff heavy 'Caught in a Fold' from "Passengers". The flute by Olivia Sparnenn is tantalising in the live setting. Josh Bryan's lead break is always worth waiting for and he plays brilliantly as usual. The production of the live performance is stunning; the songs sound great live and have their own atmosphere of excitement and passion.

Josh says "thankyou good evening" to introduce 'Flowers for Guns', well sung by Findlay, one of her last times with the band before moving on the year following to her solo career that has not been as successful as Mostly Autumn sadly. 'Unoriginal Sin' is next from "Glass Shadows", not too bad with its infectious melody and rhythm, and especially the sparring of Olivia and Heather stirring in their harmonius duet. Josh introduces another "Passengers" gem 'Simple Ways' where he gets to take a central role with his David Gilmour tone; unmistakably Pink Floyd inspired. The sparkling keyboards are delightful on this track.

Next up are some of the earlier classics that all MA fans know, namely 'The Spirit of Autumn Past - Part 2', 'Half the Mountain' and stalwart fan favourite 'Evergreen'. These songs have been heard on just about every live album but still hold a special magic, especially when Findlay injects her soul into folk ballad 'Evergreen'.

Really the album should be heard with Part Two as the two are the complete package. This is not as good as other live albums I have heard as its too short and does not have enough to hold my attention outside of other albums. However the clean production and Heather's crystalline vocals are definitely worth pursuing in her last year with Mostly Autumn before handing over the reins to Olivia Sparnenn.