Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Big Big Train
Label: English Electric
Release: 2016
Running time: 69:03
Rating: 5/5
»Folklore« is the ninth studio album from British progressive rock revivalists Big Big Train, and their first since the arrival of Beardfish singer/multi-instrumentalist Rikard Sjöblom and violinist Rachel Hall (ex-Stackridge), which also expanded the band into an octet. The only two original members left, guitarist/keyboardist Andy Poole and bassist/keyboardist Greg Spawton, probably never imagined that Big Big Train would one day become such an ambitious band, let alone one of the leading and most beloved acts in (not just British) progressive rock these days. Nor did they imagine that musicians as esteemed as former XTC guitarist Dave Gregory and former Spock’s Beard drummer/singer Nick D’Virgilio would someday be in their ranks, both of whom joined the band years ago of their own accord.
The Big Big Train octet behind the pastoral-tinged »Folklore« is also held together by charismatic singer David Longdon, whose voice is in many ways reminiscent of Gary Brooker (Procol Harum) and Peter Gabriel (ex-Genesis), and by the excellent keyboardist Danny Manners. The supremely tasty EP »Wassail« (2015) had already given a rough idea of how »Folklore« would sound, and it only whetted the appetite and raised the expectations of Big Big Train fans. The LP and digital versions of »Folklore« also include »Mudlarks« and »Lost Rivers of London«, two tracks that first appeared on the »Wassail« EP. Why they were left off the CD version remains a mystery for now, since they’re stylistically very fitting, integral pieces that belong on the album as a matter of course. The biggest change in the Big Big Train sound is undoubtedly the string arrangements, which, together with the occasional flute, stamp most of the material with an indelible folk-rock mark and boost the pastoral mood of the whole album even further.
The individual lyrics explore various customs, characters and oddities from English folklore, such as the old Saxon custom of making cider in honor of the apple king (»Wassail«) or discovering the mischievous little folk from Oz (»Winkie«), who swarm through the legends of the entire British and Irish isles. Rich orchestral arrangements, like those ruling the title track and opener, deliver epic grandeur and a touch of ceremony, while the melodic fusion of symphonic prog and folk rock, with a pinch of jazz rock fusion, will please all fans of Steve Hackett, Anthony Phillips and Ian Anderson. The lavish vocal harmonies are stronger than ever, partly thanks to the female backing vocals, and let’s not forget that Sjöblom and D’Virgilio are fantastic singers who, as members of this band, mostly handle instrumental duties. Gregory’s guitar solos are finger-licking good, while D’Virgilio hasn’t pounded the drum kit this passionately and dynamically since joining Big Big Train.
The excellent opener is followed by the no less ambitious »London Plane«. It has a distinctly melancholic intro that, right up until the violin comes in, strongly recalls late-seventies Genesis, while the combination of mellotron, acoustic guitar and strings, not to mention the intelligent and passionate improvisational section, will remind plenty of people of early King Crimson. Unlike the latter, though, Big Big Train are big-time positivists who, despite many melancholic arrangements, regularly keep up melodic choruses and positive messages. Besides the melancholy, romance and nostalgia that are part of many a typical, sentimental English soul, tracks like the phenomenal »Along the Ridgeway«, where the sacred-tinged multi-part vocals are stunning, also reveal some seriously fun rhythmic playfulness that goes beyond plenty of genre borders. Manners’ Hammond organ certainly contributes something to the ‘antique-shop’ symphonic prog sound, perfectly livening up the mighty orchestral arrangements, complex guitar passages and nostalgic harmonies. »Salisbury Giant« is a complex instrumental with regal orchestral arrangements and an omnipresent Celtic atmosphere, which fits the title of the piece (a nickname for Stonehenge) almost perfectly.
The magical »The Transit of Venus Across the Sun«, dedicated to the custom of celebrating the various solstices, which is widespread in our parts too, will thrill all fans of The Moody Blues, classic Genesis and early King Crimson with its exceptional orchestral intro, while the ethereal harmonies take the listener on an unforgettable ambient journey. The previously mentioned »Wassail«, which will surely become a regular Big Big Train concert staple, is one of the most energetic pieces on the album with its pompous chorus, and it also has a phenomenal closing section. Next up is »Winkie«, which is also the name for the little people who appeared in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ as well as American slang for a penis, so D’Virgilio surely rolled with laughter when he first heard the title of this track. Longdon’s charismatic vocals shine again here, while the nature of the song changes by the second but never loses its focus. The twelve-minute »Brooklands«, which positively brims with lavish arrangements and unusual rhythmic shifts, is the most ambitious piece on »Folklore« and a true treat for prog gourmets, with all eight musicians proving themselves in the best possible way. The closing treat »Telling the Bees«, steeped in subtle acoustic arrangements and warm, rich Hammond organ, with its uplifting chorus makes for a cheerful yet nostalgic ending to the album.
With »Folklore«, these experimentally minded explorers of English folklore have created a new masterpiece, maybe even the best Big Big Train album to date. One of the most anticipated progressive rock albums of 2016 has met all expectations, if not exceeded them. Without a doubt, »Folklore« is the most complex and richest Big Big Train album in terms of the emotion invested, the nostalgic messages and the variety of passions. And that was far from a given before the arrival of Longdon and the other instrumental virtuosos, who have immensely enriched the creative output of this wonderful band. You don’t need to be a fan of olden English folk tradition to enjoy listening, but it helps if you want to feel the album in all its brilliance.
Lineup
David Longdon . vocals, backing vocals, flute, acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion
Dave Gregory – guitar
Andy Poole – acoustic guitar, mandolin, keyboards, backing vocals
Rikard Sjöblom – keyboards, guitar, accordion, backing vocals
Danny Manners – keyboards, double bass
Rachel Hall – violin, viola, cello, backing vocals, string arrangements
Greg Spawton – bass guitar, bass pedals, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Nick D’Virgilio – drums, percussion, backing vocals
GUEST MUSICIANS:
Dave Desmond – trombone, brass arrangements
Ben Godfrey – trumpet, cornet
Nick Stones – French horn
John Storey – tenor tuba
Jon Truscott – tuba
Lucy Curnow – violin
Keith Hobday – viola
Evie Anderson – cello
Production
Big Big Train
Track list
1. Folklore (7:33)
2. London Plane (10:13)
3. Along the Ridgeway (6:12)
4. Salisbury Giant (3:37)
5. The Transit of Venus Across the Sun (7:20)
6. Wassail (6:57)
7. Winkie (8:25)
8. Brooklands (12:44)
9. Telling the Bees (6:02)
