Once Around

The Autumn Defense — Wilco’s John Stirratt and Patrick Sansone and an ever changing guestlist – play music that's strong in melody, tight in performance and sweet on the ear. Their music is often likened to the soothing tones of the early-‘70s lite-rock movement and there is certainly more than a little taste of Bread and Badfinger influences here. However, there is nothing retro about their approach. Harmonies and tunes are timeless and the Autumn Defense tap into that spring of eternal joy. “Back of My Mind” reaches for sublime falsetto harmonies. “Allow Me” slowly lopes with a lilting sorrow. “Tell Me What You Want” crafts perfect in-step acoustic guitars and tight drum rhythms. “Huntington Fair” features an elliptical melody that sweeps through the streets with festive steps. The title track is centered on some nicely finer-picked guitar lines. “The Swallows of London Town” picks up the pace for a quick jaunt. “There Will Always Be a Way” ends things on an even-paced note, where the strains of mellotron and pianos smooth the edges for true bliss.