FOLKLORE

Subtle, not bombastic. that´s why I think a lot of people simply don´t get Big Big Train. Their music is rich, complex and full of layers that are hard to perceive at first listening. Or second. So I can understand why so many other reviewers seem to fail to see the point: like 70´s Genesis, Big Big Train is a band that takes you in a gentle way, with a music that seems to be simpler that it really is, even banal if you don´t pay close attention. But if you do, you´ll find pure gold. I had this new CD for several months and I deliberately delay a review because I wanted to be sure if my first impression was right. It sounded like a masterpiece when i got the album. After dozens of spins I can assure now with much more confidence: it IS a masterpiece. I had my doubts if this band could deliver such an outstanding work after already producing such brilliant albums like The Underfall yard and English Electric parts I and II. But they did it. And|I´m very happy the chance to review such fine piece of art.

I already had their EP Wassail, that showed the band at their peak, promising a full CD that could actually match its precedents. In fact, after the band recruited singer/multi instrumentalist David Longdon it seems they found, finally, the right chemistry that so many prog acts seem to look for all their lives: the right balance between the old and new, the simple and complex, originality and familiarity. Most important, they know how to write fine melodies. On this new CD the inclusion fo violinist Rachel Hall as a permanent member gave the band a more folk-ish element (hence the title) that adds very well to their overall sound. The songwriting is strong as ever, showing the enormous maturity those guys got since their early times: all the tracks are great, with no weak tracks to be found anywhere. The combination of excellent songs with exquisite arrangements plus emotional and spotless performances make Folklore one of the best albums of music in general I´ve heard this year.

I won´t bother to cite every quality of this CD or even comment on every track. Suffice to say this is really a work of art, where every note counts. Music so well crafted, played and produced that is hard to believe someone is doing such labor of love nowadays. It may take a few spins to really get into Folklore, but you´ll be very well rewarded if you do.

If you like symphonic progressive music in the vein of the great bands of the 70´sat their peak, like Genesis, but with originality too and a modern twist, this one´s for you!

Rating: 5 stars. A truly prog masterpiece.