SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BIG BIG TRAIN – THE LIKES OF US

BIG BIG TRAIN
THE LIKES OF US
INSIDE OUT MUSIC

The Likes of Us is the 15th studio album by progressive rock Big Big Train. This album has some notable changes. It is the group’s first full collection of songs since lead vocalist David Longdon passed away in 2021. Alberto Bravin is now the new frontman of the band. Furthermore, their newest record marks the start of a new relationship with InsideOut Music, as the band has been self-releasing their music for almost two decades. There is no denying that Big Big Train are incredibly talented musicians, but I had an easier time appreciating the album than actually enjoying it.

All tracks are highly elaborate and have complex instrumentation, but I had difficulty enjoying it. For example, “Last Eleven” has impressive guitar work. Every once in a while, it is very delicate and soothing and sounds like something Radiohead might have created for In Rainbows. However, this was the only entertaining thing I found about the track. I have the same issue with “Skates On” and “Miramare”. There are tons of fascinating moments happening in them, but they never capture my attention for the entire duration of the songs.

It is far too flashy, technical, and overblown for my liking. “Beneath The Masts” has tons of great moments, most notably, the eloquent opening and the dark, menacing, and somewhat brooding piano that starts at around 9:40. But it is super frustrating to sit through and listen fully as it feels like the track goes on forever. Usually, it ends up being a whole lot of ‘showing off’ and, sometimes, like most tracks from the album, comes off a little pretentious (in the technical sense). All the extended guitar solos sound okay, but there are far better, more exhilarating, and exciting guitar riffs that last much shorter.

“Love Is The Light” is the only track that makes me feel something. The strings and guitars are stunning, the lyrics are beautiful, and the vocals are mesmerizing. Everything comes together in such a way on the track that it seemingly transports you to another dimension. It is easily the best song from the record. Another highlight is “Light Left In The Day”. The synth and guitar solo is a wicked fun time, even if it lasts way longer than it needs to.

The main difference between The Likes of Us and better prog rock is atmosphere and emotion. Almost no atmosphere or emotion (besides in “Love Is The Light”) is produced in The Likes of Us. It is just a whole lot of ‘noise’ clashing together. Progressive rock bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Tool, Rush, and previous Big Big Train records created haunting, chilling, gorgeous, breathtaking, and majestic atmospheres that are incredibly moving, all the while showcasing their immense creativity and talent. With their latest release, Big Big Train demonstrates that they certainly have talent but severely lack atmosphere and emotion.

Overall, I did not enjoy The Likes of Us. Nevertheless, there are many things throughout it that you can appreciate, and you should at least give it a chance.

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