www.bigbigtrain.com [Release date 27.05.16]
Big Big Train return with their first full studio album since 2013, last year’s EP ‘Wassail’ was a nice stop gap and the title track is on this album. Also since their last album they have expanded their line-up adding two new members – Rachel Hall (violin/vocals) and Rikard Sjöblom (guitars/keys/vocals).
Opening with the album’s title track it is a statement of intent from the band, as the album is one of reflection and looking back to simpler times and ways. A good song to sum up their sound if asked really, mixing thoughtful lyrics, a classical/folk/rock musical backing and a chorus that just won’t leave your head after a couple of plays.
They do veer off on ‘London Plane’ into a little jazz rock noodling which is not my musical cup of tea, however you can still marvel at the musicianship on display here. Dave Gregory in particular has seen more emphasis on guitar solos, wistful in their sound and nature as befits the overall musical mood.
What I love about this band is their songs tell true stories and how they match the music to the theme of a song. Take ‘Brooklands’, named after the famous racing circuit in Weybridge, the song’s lyric focuses on the driver James Cobb, who broke various land an sea speed records during his lifetime. He died attempting another record at Loch Ness and the song sees him recalling his days at Brooklands, as he starts his fateful attmept to break another record.
‘Along The Ridgeway’ has some basis in a traditional folk song/story and Dave Gregory played his 1976 Rickenbacker 360/12 guitar on this. He last played this guitar on XTC’s ‘English Settlement’ album.
Not as instant as the previous two ‘English Electric’ albums, ‘Folklore’ reveals itself more slowly and as with every album by this band stands up to repeated plays. A band and album that has a wide appeal beyond the confines of progressive music and folk. ****1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025
SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
