Big Big Train - Common Ground

in twenty years they will reform as BBT2 and do a follow up album 'Return To Common Ground' ....well probably not

Tracks 1-3 took most time to click for me. A few have not liked the topical lockdown lyrics, but For me they provide a nice, almost innocent sense of time and place. Track 2 has David singing in a lower register and Nick contributes the higher register vocals more. Many like the freshness of this approach, although I miss David’s usual vocal style here. Credit for him wanting to stretch his range more, though. However, the key is treating the song on its merits alone and not necessarily a typical BBT song. It is growing on me. Track 3 has multi-vocals, but for many it is the hint of Kim Wilde’s Kids In America that is distracting. However, the more-instrumental second half more than banishes those minor concerns and is very progressive. Track 4 is more typical BBT loveliness and Rikard’s keyboard interlude in Track 5 works very well before the power and majesty of the instrumental Track 6 - which should be a real live proggy highlight. It works well within the album setting, as does the title track on Track 7 - once again typical BBT in structure. Track 8 is the highlight for me - a true BBT epic that is getting some rave postings. The Final track, Track 9, is proving equally popular with most, with real emotion and beautiful brass work as it concludes. 

With the many personnel changes, I think Greg, Nick, Rikard and David have found a balance between keeping things recognisably BBT, but also pushing the envelope more - and whilst the earlier tracks require more plays to get used to those differences, it is worthwhile. Track 4 onwards hits more immediately. Nick seems to be getting more freedom in driving the content on this one, along with the others. I feel the drums, and Greg’s bass, are higher in the mix too.

The general response is very favourable, with many claiming it’s their best one ever, whilst a few others feel it is a step away from Grand Tour, but still very good. A few say that they are needing more repeat plays to fully soak it up, especially the earlier trio of tracks, but I’m not picking up anyone who doesn’t like it, full stop (in the way SW’s The Future Bites divided that fan base). 

Those familiar with, and liking, the traditional BBT sound will lap it up, but those who maybe were less won over by it from previous albums, might find the sound has progressed as well and could find much to enjoy.

My initial thoughts are that they are stretching out a bit without losing their core style and sound. I like the use of different vocalists on a few tracks and assume that Rikard is singing track 2 (All The Love We Can Give). It does sound like his lovely baritone judging by the Gungfly albums I own. There is also an excellent instrumental track Apollo (written by Nick) and another brilliant epic to add to their cannon Atlantic Cable (written by Greg).

Hopefully it will drag in a few new fans while retaining their hard earned gains. 

nb I've booked a ticket for Bath Forum next year 19 March. Going on my own so if anyone is going that wants to meet up for a drink let me know by pm.