MOSTLY AUTUMN are York's biggest music act - thanks to a strong following on the Continent, where progressive rock still pulls in the crowds.

Their stage show last night was impressive, with its sophisticated lighting and a kaleidoscope of images projected on to three large screens behind the seven-piece band.

They describe their music as powerful atmospheric rock with a Celtic edge, and that's what they served up in spades: power chords, long guitar solos, throbbing bass, thunderous drums and a hint of flute and whistle above the ubiquitous keyboards.

Occasionally, lead guitarist Bryan Josh would start a song with an acoustic guitar, but before the end he would always swap it for his electric to play yet another solo.

Consequently many of the songs sounded the same; there was little variety.

The musicianship was fine, but perhaps the band members should get out of their comfort zone and experiment with different ideas.

Josh certainly sings with great feeling, particularly in Heroes Never Die, inspired by the death of his father.

Heather Findley, the band's other lead vocalist, never holds back.

Their rendition of Fairytale Of New York, by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, provided a festive climax to a concert that sent home about 900 happy people.

Mostly Autumn's ambition is to play a stadium gig at Bootham Crescent and show York what it has been missing. But would they be local heroes or prophets without honour in their own country?

Updated: 12:25 Thursday, December 02, 2004