Short Reviews [Autumn Electric - 2015 - "Star Being Earth Child"]

This was the fifth album from Seattle, WA, based prog quintet Autumn Electric and was released in 2015. Apparently, the concept behind it came from being inspired by a trip through the petroglyphs of New Mexico, and explores the mythology of Star Beings, the plight of Earth's environment, and spiritual awakening. The line-up was the same as for the previous year’s ‘Flowers For Ambrosia’ with Michael Trew (vocals, guitar, flute), Naomi Adele Smith (keyboards, vocals, melodica), Max Steiner (lead guitar), Chris Barrios (drums, bass, guitar), and Johnny Unicorn (bass guitar, saxophones, vocals). Somewhat surprisingly there is a cover on here, which is somewhat unusual in what is something of a concept, but even more so given it is by folkie Tom Paxton. But in many ways, it also makes perfect sense, as although Autumn Electric are included on PA as a progressive band, it must have been a fairly borderline decision as many would probably disagree with that as there is a lot of acoustic music in what they do, and little in the way of normal progressive norms. I found the artist they reminded me most of at times was Chris de Burgh (back when he was a great singer songwriter, long before “Lady In Red”). This album may have been released in 2015 but its spiritual home in 1968 as there are a significant number of psychedelic influences in this, which make it a somewhat lightweight listening experience. It is pleasant all the way through, but there is nothing memorable and it is very easy to get distracted even when playing it on headphones, and although they attempt to put an edge on it with electric guitars here and there, it never really has the impact I am sure they were looking for. Given this was their fifth studio album I would have expected somewhat more and given I cannot find anymore releases since this one, their website no longer appears to be active and neither does there Facebook, I guess others felt the same.