ENGLISH ELECTRIC (PART ONE)

The songwriting tandem of founding member Greg Spawton and lead vocalist David Longdon has hit its stride on English Electric (the assumption being part 2, which will be released next March, is of the same high quality). The combination of smart, considered, and deeply personal lyrics coupled with exemplary musicianship (especially guitarist Dave Gregory's string arrangements) pushes Big Big Train to heretofore unanticipated heights. Honestly, how many bands manage to release their masterpiece after 20+ years and numerous lineup changes? It's utterly confounding, given the spotty decade-plus start to the enterprise. The 2000s have been fruitful for BBT, however, each release building on the last, and now, the band is simply producing some of the best, most engaging music going. Get on board. It's going to be a wonderful next couple of years.