Mostly Autumn — Seawater (self-release, 2025)
British band Mostly Autumn return with grace and power on Seawater. They balance accessible folk-rock and progressive rock ambition.
The first track, “Let’s Take a Walk,” is a hooky folk-rock song with strong vocal harmonies. The best part is the excellent-extended guitar solo at the end of the song.
Next, Celtic flute leads the way on the nostalgic “Why Do We Remember All the Rain,” another toe-tapping folk rocker. This time with female lead vocals and the habitual finely crafted guitar solo at the end intertwines with lively flute and organ.
After that, “Be Something” is a motivational compositor that begins as acoustic folk with male vocals and builds into a catchy song with a mix of male and female lead vocals. Towards the end, the band rocks out and offers a skillful guitar solo.
Then, calm piano and ballad-style vocals open the reflective “When We Ran” and leads to the most poppy song on the album.
In turn, “If Only for a Day” presents another tranquil piano ballad although this time it highlights Olivia Sparnenn’s marvelous vocals. The song masterfully builds towards an extended, climactic progressive rock guitar solo (one of the best on the album) near the end.
From there, Olivia Sparnenn presents another magnificent performance on “When Nations Collide.” The song begins as an acoustic folk song and concludes with an epic build of vocals and electric guitar.
Meanwhile, “My Home” is a warm and comforting hook-driven folk-rock song with the dependable guitar solo that closes the track.
By contrast, “Mars” features a vocals and keyboards intro. This melancholic piece expresses a desire to escape the troubles of Earth and gathers intensity towards the end.
Following that, “Future Is a Child” has a hopeful tone. It begins with vocals and guitar and gathers strength. The second half features the customary flourish of guitar.
Finally, the final piece is the 19-minute closing epic titled “Seawater.” Here the band ditches the hooky folk-rock (mostly) and ventures into progressive rock with a mix of laid back, eerie and cinematic sections, and gradually expands into a turbulent grand finale with memorable guitar work.
Musicians: Bryan Josh on guitars, vocals; Olivia Sparnenn on vocals; Iain Jennings on keyboards; Chris Johnson on guitars; Andy Smith on bass; Angela Gordon on flute, keyboards; and Henry Rogers on drums.
Guest: Troy Donockley on uilleann pipes, low whistle.
Cover by Suzanne Bielby.
Buy Seawater.