English Electric, Part Two (English Electric Records, 2013)
Big Big Train’s 2012 album, English Electric, Part One, was one of the highest rated progressive rock albums of the year so the release of the second was awaited with a lot of expectation. Part Two’s album cover, sound and feel indeed point at a continuation of the material found in Part One.
English Electric, Part Two resumes the fascinating stories of English working men and women. The first piece is a beautifully constructed composition, with many instrumental and vocal nuances that are best heard in a good sound system or with headphones. Big Big Train mixes brief moments of pop with state of the art symphonic rock, showcasing rich vocal harmonies, cinematic soundscapes, full brass, mellotron, mesmerizing piano, flute, strings and the powerful electric instruments, and mesmerizing piano sections.
‘Swan Hunter’ is a Beatles-esque ballad that would do well in commercial radio. The best moments are the instrumental parts when the strings, brass and electric guitar come in.
‘Worked Out’ brings back the sing-along pop formula, with some elements of anthemic classic rock (as in 1970s non-progressive rock). The latter part of the piece shows more progressive rock creativity with inspiring flute and guitar solos.
The folk-rock sensibility appears on ‘Leopard,’ mixing country-like guitar melodies and beautifully constructed vocal harmonies.
I find little of interest in the first part of ‘Keeper of Abbeys’ which is basically a pop-rock track. Things get interesting later in the track with jazzy violin, electric sitar and guitar solos.
The most attractive cut is ‘The Permanent Way.’ This is true magical progressive rock at its best. It brings back elements from Part One’s ‘Hedgerow’ but this time the Sgt. Peppers-style has been replaced by state of the art symphonic rock with memorable organ, guitar, synthesizer, piano, violin solos and interactions, absorbing spoken word and the great communication between lead vocals and rich harmonies.
The album ends with an enticing ballad titled ‘Curator of Butterflies’ where David Longdon’s vocals really stand out.
The band line-up includes Andy Poole on bass, keyboards; Dave Gregory on guitar; Greg Spawton on guitars, keyboards, bass; David Longdon on vocals, flute, glockenspiel; Danny Manners on keyboards; and Nick D’Virgilio on drums and cajón. There is a long list of musical guests who enrich Big Big Train’s sound.
Overall, English Electric, Part Two contains two lengthy pieces with masterful progressive rock combined with lighter pop-oriented material. The band has just talented musicians that I’d love to see them explore more of their progressive rock side.