BIG BIG TRAIN: Folklore (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

We promised you: just a few weeks after the release of "Stone & Steel", a live testimony on Blu-ray and CD of their rehearsals in Peter Gabriel's studios in 2014, Big Big Train comes back with a brand new studio album, "Folklore". This record is the band's ninth album, with a very stable line-up since 2009 and "The Underfall Yard". Not only do the incumbents not desert the band, but its line-up is gradually growing with more members who are moving up to permanent status. After the incorporation of Danny Manners on the diptych "English Electric", it's the turn of Rachel Hall (violin), who was also present on "English Electric" 1 and 2, and Rikard Sjöblom, Beardfish's eccentric singer and keyboardist, to join Big Big Train, bringing the number of musicians to eight.

An impressive line-up then, all the more impressive since most of the protagonists are multi-instrumentalist and they are reinforced by a string section and a brass quintet. This is what gives body to the style of which Big Big Train has become over the years one of the most credible representatives. If you're a fan of symphonic progressive rock, look no further: you've found what you're looking for.

Because Big Big Train once again demonstrates his immeasurable talent in an impeccable demonstration of what progressive rock is all about. It's all there: changes of themes, tempos, nuances, odd rhythms, alternating tutti, duets, solos, vocal and instrumental passages, a mix of electric (including the inevitable Hammond organ) and acoustic instruments, references to classical, world music, Celtic folklore, jazz... "progressive rock for dummies" declined in a little hour that you don't see going by, without weak moments, from the tribal folks of 'Folklore' and 'Waissail' to the two long archetypal suites 'London Plane' and 'Brooklands' with the unifying red thread ('I'm a Lucky Man'), passing by the energetic 'Winkie' or the short but catchy 'Salisbury Giant'.

If one had to express a reservation, the main criticism would be a slight lack of empathy: everything is very beautiful, very pleasant, but lacks a bit of soul, perhaps due to David Longdon's singing, which is certainly fair and solid but never poignant. On the other hand, the album doesn't bring any real surprise, Big Big Train continuing to do (very well) Big Big Train. However, this is not enough to spoil the pleasure of listening to sumptuous melodies with rich arrangements and played by accomplished musicians.

"Folklore" asserts itself as a worthy successor to the equally varied, symphonic and captivating "English Electric". And as with any good progressive record, each new listening allows you to discover details that have gone unnoticed until now and to generate a growing pleasure. - Official website

BIG BIG TRAIN

FOLKLORE

AUTRE LABEL

PROGRESSIVE ROCK