Big Big Train
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There are bands that start out with a bang and there are those that take their time. Big Big Train, despite its imposing name, belongs to the latter category. But once it got going, the locomotive moved slowly but surely along the tracks to worldwide recognition. And through hard work, coupled with the raw talents of its engineers, the band has earned a place in the small world of alternative rock.
If the composition of the band has changed over the years, the musicality and the desire have remained. Moreover, with Big Big Train, arrivals and departures are always done with continuity and without excess, far from the fracas that other rock stars seem to cultivate. In the straight line of Genesis or Van Der Graaf Generator, the English, soon joined by musicians from all over the world, don't hesitate to transcend genres, without forgetting their roots. The result is a slightly theatrical progressive rock with strong folk undertones.
But above all, it gives stories worthy of the best storytellers, subtle balances between the vocals, the solos and the breaks. The pauses are contemplative breaths, the choruses plunge us into the heart of their universe, while the technical demonstrations, never gratuitous, make the story a bit epic. With their Celtic touch, we find ourselves embarked in the old lands of Scotland in search of adventure, immersed in the mist and alongside a lake where, perhaps, a monster is hiding.
And if this huge train took a long time to leave the comfort of the studio, for a few years now it has been returning to a stage it had previously abandoned. On stage, the demonstration is done in all humility and embarks an audience completely captivated in adventures where joy and melancholy mingle in an always grandiose apotheosis.
Highlights
The locomotive starts to move
Although the band's line-up has changed over the years, it was Andy Poole on bass and Gregory Spawton on guitar who founded Big Big Train in the early 90s. A name in reference to a Birmingham punk band. For two decades, they worked hard to launch their train, garnering critical acclaim but struggling to break through completely when the heyday of Genesis or Peter Gabriel had already passed.
The train finds a second breath
However, nothing stops the locomotive and through perseverance, Big Big Train makes a name for itself on the international scene. In 2009, they were joined by singer and multi-instrumentalist David Longdon, who adjusted the switches and co-wrote the next tracks. In December, The Underfall Yard was released to critical acclaim. Its 23-minute title track will be featured as song of the day by Classic Rock. Big Big Train, this time, is on a roll and in 2013 they win the Breakthrough Act award at the Progressive Music Awards.
Big Big Train takes the public by storm
Everything is now on track for the infernal train, but one thing is still missing from their repertoire, and not the least. All this time, the locomotive has been moving alone and without passengers. Explosive studio albums, cleverly told stories, a sense of melody that borders on genius, but a conspicuous absence on stages around the world. In 2015, at last, Big Big Train decided to emerge from its long tunnel with a series of concert events in London. A full house and an experience they will repeat, touring for the first time in 2019.
Still on track
This could have been the end of the road for Big Big Train. After having their tour cancelled due to a pandemic, Vincent Longdon died at the end of 2021. But the locomotive now seems unstoppable. With respect and humility, Alberto Bravin takes his place behind the microphone to keep the band's inspiring and spellbinding style alive, and they will honour their tour in 2022 and 2023.
Testimonials
- The fans speak
- The inside view
- Seen in the press