GATHERING SPEED

"Gathering Speed" is the sixth full-length studio album by UK progressive rock act Big Big Train. The album was released through Treefrog Records in 2004. It´s the successor to "Bard" from 2002. "Bard" was originally meant to be a swansong from Big Big Train, as the band had more or less become a hobby project by the late 90s/early 00s, but band founder/guitarist Gregory Spawton got the troops together for another round replacing lead vocalist Martin Read with Sean Filkins in the process. The remaining members are Ian Cooper (keyboards), Andy Poole (bass), and Steve Hughes (drums). The latter returns after having been away from the band since "English Boy Wonders" (1997).

"Gathering Speed" is a concept album influenced by and dedicated to the airmen and women who lost their lives in the Battle of Britain. Stylistically it´s slightly more 70s progressive rock influenced than the direct predecessor, with an increased use of 12-string acoustic guitars and mellotron, but otherwise you´ll immediately recognise this as a pre-2007 Big Big Train release. High level musicianship, decent production values, and an intriguing songwriting style (with great nods toward late 70s Genesis). It´s nothing out of the ordinary for the style, but Big Big Train understand how to build climaxes, use dynamics, and create a nostalgic melancholic atmosphere.

They also happen to be skilled musicians and everything is delivered with great sophistication and finesse. Strong melancholic lead vocals, beautiful choirs, harmony- and backing vocals are supported by clever and tasteful instrumental arrangements. Although this is progressive rock, you won´t find anything overtly complex here (although some song structures definitely are unconventional). Big Big Train are much more focused on the song itself and the melody lines and little compositional details which all help make a great whole.

Although Big Big Train would become even more interesting and professional over the next couple of releases (which also gave them their big breakthrough), "Gathering Speed" is the beginning of that successful journey. A transition album if you will from their slightly more amaturish previous releases towards their better produced and more professional future releases. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is warranted.