Big Big Train – The Likes of Us

Big Big Train is a band that has, until now, passed me by. Their upcoming tour includes a date in my home town, and tickets have been purchased. So, I figure it is about time I acquainted myself with them. What better way then, than to immerse myself in and review their latest (and 15^th) album; “The Likes of Us.”

One fact I was aware of is that their long-serving lead vocalist David Longdon sadly passed away in 2021. This was news that shocked the Prog Rock fraternity to the core. The band has carried on and this is their first album since that terrible loss.

Former member of the Italian band Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM for short), Alberto Bravin joined as the new frontman. Since his appointment in the springtime of 2022, he has become more than just the lead singer for the band. His name appears in the writing credits against five of the eight numbers on the “The Likes of Us.”

This seven-piece international group are revered by all their followers, and I was eager to find out why. Bearing in mind that I had not previously heard anything by this band, on first listen it all sounded remarkably familiar. That fact was both comforting and a little disappointing, but once I became familiar with the album itself, any disappointment disappeared.

Personal stories are being told here by members of the band as the backbone of songs. In the opening number ‘Light Left in the Day’ I am guessing there is some reminiscing about childhood. The cover artwork is perhaps an illustration of this, and indeed brings back memories of my own somewhat distant past. It is a great introduction to their heavier style (apparently) and for me to the band. All the dynamics of the band are presented here including a brass section featuring trombonist Dave Desmond.

All the hallmarks of a great Prog Rock band are present, and it feels as if you are in safe hands. There are five members who contribute vocals so there are lots of harmonies weaved into the songs. They are used quite a lot in ‘Oblivion’ which is one of only two tracks under six minutes long. That heavier edge is evident here, and the number of other prog bands that come to mind are too many to mention. So, who influences who? Or is it a symbiotic relationship? Joking aside, it is another solid track. To be fair there are no bad tracks.

The sole remaining founder member of the band, bassist Gregory Spawton was born in the UK midlands town of Sutton Coldfield. He now lives on the English south coast, but sadly had to make a return visit to see his terminally ill father. The hospice where his dad was being looked after sits between two giant radio masts. This provided the inspiration for the 17 ½ minute epic that is ‘Beneath the Masts’. The relevant sombre parts are created with piano and violin, but in the more upbeat sections they bring out everything at their disposal. In addition to the piano and violin there is the brass section, bass pedals and mellotron, plus acoustic and electric guitars.

Photo Credit – Massimo Goina

Melodic and melancholic ‘Skates on’ seems to be set in the present looking back. The message that I get from this song is to make the most of the time you have left. It is always later than you think. The upbeat rhythm invokes the feeling that there is always hope.

The idea for ‘Miramare’ came from Alberto who raised the subject. Miramare is a 19th century castle in Spain built by the order of Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife Carlotta of Belgium. After much research Gregory transformed the story into another epic track, one that exceeds the ten-minute mark. The result is a fascinating musical novelette and marked the start of the collaboration between him and Alberto. This is prog rock at its finest and bodes well for the future of the band.

An enduring spirit of hope against adversity is conveyed in the lyrics of ‘Love is the Light.’ A calming violin intro from Clare Lindley sets the tone for the song. This is the closest thing on the album to a ballad, and beautifully sung by Alberto. This is one of two songs (also Oblivion) from the album that some fans will have already heard. The band played them on their most recent tour and at that time Alberto Bravin became one of the Big Big Train family. The assorted members now hail from England, USA, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. To quote drummer Nick D’Virgillio; “There’s a big world of talented musicians out there, and luckily some of them want to hang out with us.”

Harmonies abound in ‘Bookmarks’ with a gentle accompaniment from multiple instruments. This album is their first with InsideOut Music having previously self-released on English Electric. In a way this album is a bookmark in their history, along with the addition of a new lead singer. The final track on the excellent album is ‘Last Eleven’ which appears to be reminiscing about a cricket team. It is a strong upbeat number and a good one to finish on.

Photo Credit – Massimo Goina

I have discovered a band that I already knew about and had chosen not to investigate before. That was a mistake, oh well, you live and learn. I can’t promise to investigate all their back catalogue, but I now feel better equipped to enjoy the show later this year. Big Big Train seem to have a new lease of life and have the bit between their teeth. I think the future looks bright for them.

Track list:

1. Light Left in the Day
2. Oblivion
3. Beneath the Masts
4. Skates On
5. Miramare
6. Love Is the Light
7. Bookmarks
8. Last Eleven