Rockfreaks.net

Mostly Autumn

Go Well, Diamond Heart

Written by: PP on 28/12/2010 17:18:22

Prog albums should usually be treated with a similar amount of healthy skepticism as power and heavy metal records, because real innovation and originality in the genres is so few and far in between that most releases drown in a gray mass of generic releases that sound just like each other. Not so with Mostly Autumn and their newest album "Go Well, Diamond Heart", a thoroughly refreshing and different progressive rock/metal album that has next to nothing in common with your standard generic effort in the genre.

First of all, Mostly Autumn don't limit themselves to just progressive rock. This isn't an album all about unfathomably complex instrumental arrangements stolen from Dream Theater's repertoire, nor an album with monumental soundscapes pointlessly echoing in the mind of the listener that drag on and on without a purpose. Instead, nuances from classic rock, gothic rock, progressive rock and metal are all brought in together in a symbiosis of elements which all complement each other in some way. The songs are intricately thought out pieces that shine of artistic ambition, but take care not to overwhelm the untrained listener with unnecessary levels of detail that only progresso-philes will ever uncover. This approach manifests in the form of soulful guitar solos that sound just as classic as the best ones from the 70s, pop-oriented verse/chorus formats on a couple of songs, and rock/alternative riffing when necessary.

There are two vocalists, one female, and one male. The former will inevitably draw your attention to the softer gothic rock bands out there, though these undertones are kept at bay by a commanding progressive rock department at all times, whereas the latter brings in the alternative rock vibe I mentioned just before. "Deep In Borrowdale", for instance, is a driving rock tune which combines acoustic/electric guitar contrast with a chorus that wouldn't feel entirely out-of-place on a Dave Matthews Band album. Elsewhere, distinct influence from Pink Floyd can be felt in the structure of the songs, where focus suddenly shifts into heartfelt solos and almost psychedelic vibes at times.

It's hard to describe how refreshing it is to hear a prog album that has ignored all the trends and 'rules' of the genre in order to pursue and write music that feels right to the band. That's perhaps why Mostly Autumn earned a support slot with Bryan Adams some time ago, which is in stark contrast with their previous supporting slots to bands like Jethro Tull. Prog rock fans cannot afford to miss this album, if for nothing else than its sheer originality.

Download: Deep In Borrowdale
For the fans of: Pink Floyd, Dave Matthews Band
Listen: Myspace

Release date 01.11.2010
Mostly Autumn Records