Olivia Sparnenn has settled in quite well since the exit
of longtime lead vocalist Heather Findlay for the great progressive rock band
Mostly Autumn. Spamenn paid her dues singing back up for Findlay and now she
elegantly steps into the spotlight helping Mostly Autumn to continue without
missing a step.
The current lineup is Olivia Sparnenn (Lead Vocals), Andy
Smith (Bass Guitar), Anne-Marie Helder (Acoustic and Electric guitars, Flute,
Keyboards, and Vocals), Bryan Josh (Founder Member - Lead Electric Guitars,
Acoustic 6 + 12 String Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals), Gavin Griffiths (Drums), Liam
Davison (Electric guitars, 6 + 12 string acoustic guitars and vocals) and Iain
Jennings (Keyboards, Synthesizers, and Hammond Organ).
The dreamy vocals of Ms. Sparnenn were introduced at the
front of the band on the excellent Go
Well Diamond Heart. There was not that much of a difference in their
approach and the Mostly Autumn trademark was still intact with some variances
in direction from a musical standpoint. Now Ghost
Moon Orchestra has arrived and the band has taken a decidedly heavier
direction with several of the tracks on the album. The combination of leader
Byran Josh and Olivia trading off vocal lines helps to solidify the heavier
sounding tracks. The Pink Floyd influence will always be part of their
foundation but it never gets to the point where they do not sound original and
refreshing. I have heard nearly every album in their career including
selections from that long line of recordings on a 3 disc retrospective
Pass The Clock-1998-2008 Remastered.
This
collection is highly recommended and those of you interested in exploring the
band from the beginning up to 2008 should consider it.
The theme of Ghost
Moon Orchestra is based around; you guessed it, an orchestra, with two
central tracks, The Devil and The
Orchestra and the title track Ghost
Moon Orchestra. It comes as no surprise that these are two of the most
excellent outings on the album. What you get is a full attack of every band
member’s capabilities in both songs. This band epitomizes the word progressive
combining elements of guitar, keyboards, a rock solid rhythm section and vocals
that always take you where the band wants you to go inside the music. Their
innate ability to suck you right into the storyline is one their greatest
assets.
The most noticeable factor in the way this band presents
their songs is how each member compliments the other. The mix is always top
notch and the musicianship archetypal of those that have their chops down to a
science in their respective genre - in this instance progressive rock, one of
the more difficult and unpredictable. A good example of that kind
unpredictability is “Tennyson Mansion,” which starts with a surf like guitar
line that weaves in and out throughout the track. Then a Latin flavored acoustic guitar comes
in to add more color and it suddenly shifts again when Olivia’s vocals are
introduced, later to be joined by Josh.
It is one of the more atmospheric tracks that sweep you away.
In the past, as a Mostly Autumn fan you would know what
to expect with every release however since they made the change at front of the
band on vocals we have seen two recordings with entirely different approaches
and atmospheres. It is exciting to know that the next album could be a total
surprise. This is a solid release and once again they have done very well to
satisfy their legion of listeners with a captivating recording filled with all
the wonder and enchantments that progressive rock can offer.
5/5 Stars
Key
Tracks: Ghost Moon Orchestra, The Devil and The Orchestra, Tennyson Mansion
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder MuzikReviews.com
November 1, 2012
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