THE LIKES OF US

Big Big Train are one of those bands who never take any real chances but instead choose to deliver stellar playing and top quality writing while never losing sight of the melody. The component parts are all there, already technically one of the best bands on the planet, they have now have a keyboard player who can do the Keith Emerson style keyboard runs in Oskar Holldorff (check out the 17 minute masterpeice Beneath The Masts). There is no doubt in my mind that this is their best album since 2016's Folklore with a 'heaviness' to match.. New vocalist Alberto Braveen has a very appealing timbre and reminds me of Chris Thompson (Manfred Manns Earthband) while the trademark hooks are all very present and correct. Guitar wise Rikard Sjöblom and Dave Foster dovetail superbly on Oblivion, a heavy up tempo rocker with that BBT trademark vocal hook. Another highlight is the poppier Love Is The Light which is as cheesy as hell. Nothing not to like, plenty to enjoy.