"Our last album was definitely a transition and that’s why a lot people might have thought it was strange,” says Olivia Sparnenn. Mostly Autumn’s frontwoman is in a contemplative mood as she and founding guitarist/vocalist Bryan Josh consider the last few years of musical ups and downs. First music distributor Pinnacle went bust, having a knock-on effect on the band’s independent releases; then long‑time member Heather Findlay moved on to pastures new. But with Sparnenn’s subsequent promotion to lead vocalist and their fantastic show at last year’s High Voltage Festival, the British collective are back stronger than ever, with a new album and a new sound to boot.
It’s hard to ignore the mixed reviews that 2010’s Go Well Diamond Heart received from fans. Even though most of it was written before Findlay left the band, some followers felt it wasn’t up to their usual standards. Josh takes such criticism on the chin and sighs: “Half the buggers would write the album for you if you let them! Honestly, most of the feedback we’ve had was positive, although I suppose the more negative comments are what people remember. You’re always going to get criticism when you do a new album but there will also be new people coming along who like what you’re doing. When it comes down to it, I don’t pay attention to the negative comments – if I did, I’d never get anything done!”
