THE LIKES OF US

When Alberto Bravin was revealed as the new vocalist for Big Big Train, bringing with him his previous experience as the lead singer of the Italian band Premiata Forneria Marconi, the transition didn't simply entail entering the studio to record the next album. It was essential to subject him to a trial by fire, assessing the public's acceptance in live performances with Bravin in the lineup and understanding the extent of the reception he would receive - or not.

The overwhelmingly positive response from fans most likely played a crucial role in providing the band with the necessary confidence to work more smoothly on new material. The warm reception from the audience not only validated Bravin's selection as the new vocalist but also contributed to an environment conducive to creating new music, allowing the band to explore new directions with a solid base of support from its followers.

There is a striking similarity between Bravin's entry into the band and David Longdon's arrival during the recording of "Underfall Yard" regarding the active role both assumed. Like Longdon, Bravin didn't express a desire to be merely a performer on his debut; he significantly contributed to the composition, with his name associated with five of the eight tracks on the album. Additionally, Bravin played an additional role in co-mixing the record. Bravin's proactive involvement in creating the album not only highlights his versatility as a musician but also solidifies his position as an integral and involved member in Big Big Train's creative dynamics. His contribution isn't limited solely to vocal interpretation but extends to musical composition and production, demonstrating a strong commitment to the band's artistic process.

"Light Left In The Day" serves as the album's opening piece. Despite being almost 100% instrumental, it still carries enough lyrical weight to convey a message that inspires courage, perseverance, and resilience in the face of challenges or difficulties. It starts with a serene sound, but it doesn't take long to shift direction, delivering from then on a heavier and more symphonic instrumentation, strengthened with some brass accents. If there was still any doubt about what the band would deliver after going through such a turbulent period, I say with happiness in my heart, Big Big Train continues firmly with all its essence and peak.

"Oblivion" was the first single released by the band. Lyrically, it addresses disillusionment, introspection, and the search for something more significant in life, delving into complex themes related to internal struggle, disappointments, and the quest for meaning in life. Perhaps the idea of releasing it as the first single arose because it sounds somewhat familiar. It's a straightforward rock piece, but it still has dynamic and yet complex guitars and a precise rhythmic section, while Bravin's vocals echo a kind of delivery that is essential for Big Big Train's songs to function as they should.

"Beneath the Masts," at over 17 minutes, is the album's epic. A poetic and evocative narrative, divided into different parts, each offering a perspective or moment in history. Right from its first few seconds, it's evident that we're faced with a piece that follows the classic mold of the band and grows gradually, with no one necessarily standing out? although Clare Lindley's work on the violin is impressive at some points?but rather a group of musicians without vanity, concerned with sounding brilliant as a whole. I must also highlight Bravin's delivery with his wonderful performance on a track that explores themes such as life's journey, transition, farewell, and reflection on time passed. The poetic language combined with vivid imagery drawn by the instrumentation helps create an emotional and captivating atmosphere.

"Skates On" conveys a message about fully living in the present, embracing life's joys, and moving forward with resilience, even when confronted by the uncertainties that mark our path. It doesn't sound as impressive as the previous tracks, which is actually quite good as it allows the listener to catch their breath. Initially, it has an acoustic lightness and then develops within a refined harmony. The message here is positive, encouraging the appreciation of life and the pursuit of meaningful moments, as well as overcoming challenges and appreciating the present.

"Miramare," as the name suggests, the band alludes to the castle of the same name located in Trieste (Bravin's city). Through a very well-developed narrative, the band tells a story that addresses travel, separation, challenges, farewells, and sacrifice, all always very well illustrated through harmonies that evoke a captivating atmosphere. Bravin once again stands out as an exceptional and lovely performer with his unique ability. Meanwhile, the band demonstrates instrumental virtuosity, delivering a superb performance. Aside from the excellent and engaging violin solo - and another more vehement guitar solo - the band once again - or as it usually does most of the time - swaps a testimony focused on individual skills for a direction where the entire group stands out within instrumental passages full of energy and sophistication.

"Love Is The Light" is a beautiful ballad, surely one of the best in the group's entire catalog. Here, the band explores themes such as struggle, perseverance, and the rediscovery of love. Touching, dramatic, and incredibly sensitive, the vocals sound profound, while instrumentally, the highlight lies in the beautiful violin flourishes and the guitar solo, which within its simplicity manages to deliver something truly emotional that seems to embrace the listener. Each note and chord is like careful brushstrokes, delineating a sonic canvas that not only engages the ears but also touches the soul. A true message of facing adversity, seeking love and renewal, highlighting that love can be a source of light and strength - as the song's title itself makes clear.

"Bookmarks," in a very emotive way, seems to narrate a journey through time, filled with memories, lasting friendships, and challenges. When the first verses are sung by Bravin, it's impossible not to remember Longdon. With a pastoral atmosphere, keyboards, mellotron, and vocals play crucial roles, revealing themselves as essential elements in building a silent, almost hypnotic atmosphere. As it unfolds, the music creates a melancholic and nostalgic aura, with elegant and well-harmonized vocals accompanied by a rich instrumentation, highlighting the gracefulness of the guitars and violin. Exploring universal themes such as friendship, time, loss, and new beginnings, the band provides a poetic and emotive narrative that reflects on the journey of life.

"Last Eleven" marks the end of this extraordinary musical journey. It was the band's first composition after Longdon's sad departure. It alternates between grave and delicate moments, sounding like a reflection of life's nuances. The piece stands out through its intricate melodic developments, incorporating changes in time signature and unexpected "tight turns" that enrich the listening experience with various cadences and twists. The band seems to be sending a message to themselves, conveying a motivational message about resilience, finding strength in unity, overcoming adversity, and redefining one's worth, in other words, everything they had to do to continue with the band after Longdon's death.

With mastery, Big Big Train continues to skillfully explore the more accessible corners of progressive music. An album that stands out as a magnificent melodic work, where remarkably elaborate compositions and high-quality collective execution embrace to create something truly grandiose. The commitment to musical quality resonates in every note, showing the group's ability to evolve and maintain its relevance over time. "The Like of Us" sounds like a love letter in which the group honors its past and dedicates to longtime fans, while also revealing itself as an inviting boarding station for new admirers, while pointing to an intense and promising future.