Judas Unrepentant (Big Big Train, 2012)

A beautiful track by Big Big Train, taken from their "English Electric - Part One" album. Full of good musical themes and original arrangements, this "Judas Unrepentant" strikes me for its joyous overture, the melodious largos and the vaguely folk inspiration. As usual, David Longdon's vocal performance is nearly perfect and some special features add a special charm. Let's see a few of them.

The complete edition of "English Electric" was released in 2013.

First of all, the acoustic section, featuring Rachel Hall's violin along with Longdon's flute. Splendid, IMHO, full of the Old England smell I likeso much. Then, here you are Andy Tillison ravaging his organ before the final chorus reprise. Sounds like Golden Era keyboardmen are back. And what about Danny Manners and his plain but effective piano? Or Nick D'Virgilio's drumming? The egg of Columbus, if you ask me, because all things that work seem so obvious that you barely notice them. Probably that's why I'm still listening to this song. Over and over.

Summoned by Bells (Big Big Train, 2012)

I'm a proud fan of Big Big Train's "English Electric" musical project. I found in it the progressive soul and a lot o good themes and melodies. This track is taken from the first part of the band's victorian fresque, and I especially like it. At first, David Longdon's beautiful voice is surrounded by such a rich choice of sweet instruments and Genesis-like sounds that the harsh guitar introducing the bridge comes like a surpise. The rest of the song flows away pleasantly between the two banks of tradition and innovation.

"English Electric" was released into two full length CDs plus an EP.

I highly recommend the complete set with beautiful arts.

The dramatic tempo change around minute 6:40 is another unpredictable passage and the following wind section is pure magic to me. Andy Poole's electric guitar switches from Hackett to Fripp in a moment and when the track fades away you'd ask for more. A special mention goes to Nick D'Virgilio and his drums, giving a strong and lively colour to BBT's music, but what's really amazing is the perfect mix of the band's skills. Really, this is another excellent song from one of the best prog bands out there. 

The Wide Open Sea (Big Big Train, 2010)

Big Big Train is one of the most consistent groups in English new progressive bands. I think this long charming track, taken from "Far Skies Deep Time" EP, proves my statement, a 17 minute suite in 8 movements depicting an inner journey. Aerial melodies and arrangements immediatly seize the listeners then other themes follow one another with fluency and pleasant changes.

The new Big Big Train's line-up.

If I had to qualify this song's general feeling, I'd suggest a flight, over a landscape of hills and seas, an open view through the clouds, suddenly enlightened by a sheer sunbeam. As always, David Longdon's voice and choral arrangementa are an additional instrument and - last but not least - I welcome the new skillful drummer, Nick D' Virgilio of Spockbeard's fame.