ENGLISH ELECTRIC (PART TWO)

English Electric (Part Two) by Big Big Train continues the journey started by its predecessor, maintaining the motivation and subtlety that defined the first volume. Like English Electric (Part One), this album delivers rich, classic, and immersive melodies, with meticulous production and impeccable vocals by David Longdon. However, when comparing the two albums, one might notice that the synergy present in the first volume is slightly diminished in this second one. While this does not detract from the quality, it does slightly affect the overall cohesion of the compositions.

The album stands out for its richly detailed lyrical themes and compositions that vividly evoke stories and emotions. "East Coast Racer," for instance, is an epic track that discusses the remarkable feat of the Mallard train, capturing the grandeur and complexity of the story within its musical structure. "Swan Hunter" delves into the memories and stories of generations of shipyard workers, while "Worked Out" addresses the decline of the UK coal mining industry, a theme imbued with nostalgia and sadness. "Leopards" explores the complexity of love through the metaphor of a leopard's spots never changing, and "Keeper of Abbeys" offers a personal narrative inspired by Greg Spawton's experience during a visit to an abbey. "The Permanent Way" serves as a kind of farewell, uniting the various themes of the album into a beautiful and perfect musical creation. Finally, "Curator of Butterflies" closes the album in a delicate and poetic way, inspired by Blanca Huertas, curator of Lepidoptera.

In summary, English Electric (Part Two) is a beautiful listen, offering a musically and emotionally rewarding experience. Although the first volume boasts a more cohesive synergy, this second chapter is still worthy of praise, serving as a dignified and almost equally captivating continuation. Given the richness of the compositions and the depth of the lyrics, this album deserves 4 stars, just a step behind its predecessor's impact, but far from deserving less. It is undoubtedly a must-listen for any progressive rock lover.