EP review: BIG BIG TRAIN – Proper Jack Froster

Digital only [Release date 19.11.21]

A seasonal release from Big Big Train, ahead of their new album ‘Welcome To The Planet’ due in January next year. The single is expanded into a digital EP as they add the previously released singles ‘The Connection Plan’, ‘Lanterna’ and ‘Made From Sunshine’. These all formed part of their Stay Tuned streaming series and all four songs appear on the new album.

I started this review prior to the very sad news of the death of vocalist David Longdon. It does make listening to this EP, and indeed any of Big Big Train’s music, even more poignant and with a tear or two in the eyes. But the one positive thing is that his wonderful singing and music of his band colleagues carry on, which can help the band’s many fans come to terms with this tragedy.

The EP features the newer band members a lot with violinist Clare Lindley co-vocalist on the wondrous ‘Made From Sunshine’. One of the many things I love about this band is their ability to create upbeat lyrics and songs and this is another one of those. Carly Bryant (keyboards, guitars, vocals) has a co-write on the new album too.

‘Lanterna’ mixes a few prog parts with the band’s harmony vocals that prove such a pivotal part of the band’s unique sound. The guitar solo is pretty damn fine, although not sure if that is Dave Foster or Rikard Sjöblom.

‘The Connection Plan’ reminds me of Spock’s Beard in the musical arrangement. This one will please the prog rock lovers.

I love the title track as it sees them lyrically return to childhood memories and the countryside. Folk to the fore on the music and listen to the vocals and the chorus, simply divine on the ears. The trumpet and piano midway through are another treat. Songs like this are why we love music.

A seasonal treat then from Big Big Train, tinged with sadness. It remains to be seen what the band’s future plans will be, but whatever they decide we have this fabulous EP and their music to help us through. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)