THE UNDERFALL YARD

The Underfall Yard is truly a pleasure to listen to. I heard about this album on The Dividing Line. I downloaded the free MP3 of the title track and knew that this was a must have. Listening to the interview which was available for free on the Big Big Train website along with the complete album was a big help in understanding the themes which the lyrics were built upon. I remember having to go back in the podcast thinking, "Wow is this Peter Gabriel?" It came as no surprise that David Longdon did not pass his audition with Genesis hearing the stunning resemblence. Upon first listen I was immediately impressed with the standout harmonies at use in the vocals of Evening Star. Continuing through the album I was pleased with the intsrumentation. The use of brass and woodwinds to compliment the traditional rock lineup adds pleasant color and tone to an already elegant composition. The main theme throughout is the demise of trainyards throughout England. I can hear Spawton's melancholy for the physical and emotional remains of the industry. His use of names he's found during his explorations of these sites gives this listener a sense of historic validity. That is rarely found in rock, except of course prog! The build-up that comes with Master James of St. George really got my interest piqued. The real treat comes in the main guitar theme in Victorian Brickwork. The rub off of Steve Howe's Gibson is palpable and makes for a truly stirring fist pump by this listener everytime it comes back around. Coming around to the end or caboose, (sorry American) we have the epic title track. This is a spectacular epic. The guest soloists really add dynamic tension in the middle section of the song which brings us to the gentle farewell of the end. This is my favorite prog release of 2009. The Underfall Yard not only showcases some of the best composition in Symphonic Prog but also shows off some it's finest talent. NDV and Jem Godfrey are two of the finest musicians in modern prog. This recording is a must have for symphonic prog lovers like me. I think there's only about 10 of us in the U.S.