It took prog rockers Big Big Train almost 30 years and 12 studio albums to embark on their first full tour in 2019. The tour was hailed as an unbridled success by fans and critics alike.
That momentum was however derailed by the Covid pandemic that followed months after the tour finished but worse was to come with the tragic death of lead singer Richard Longdon in 2021. A lesser band may have withdrawn into their shell but after a period of contemplation they pushed on recruiting vocalist Alberto Bravin, to fill Longdon’s rather big shoes.
With a new album, The Likes Of Us hot off the press, the band seemed reinvigorated and ready to forge a new beginning.
Certainly new vocalist Bravin, was a revelation. Not only did he possess a smooth yet powerful, melodic voice but also added guitar, keyboards and a spot of drumming into the mix with a stage presence and charm that helped to bring some of the most beautiful, atmospheric modern prog rock to life.
During a set lasting over two hours, the majority of The Likes Of Us was aired, perhaps testimony to the faith that the band have in their new incarnation and that faith was certainly justified with “Light Left In The Day” and “Oblivion” opening the show. It was perhaps the sprawling epic, “Beneath The Masts” that takes the plaudits as it ebbed and flowed through a myriad of moods, atmospheres and emotions to create a modern masterpiece.
Drummer extraordinaire Nick D’Virgilio provided the visual counterpoint to Bravin, seated sideways on, at the front of the stage, meaning he could interact with the crowd in a way most drummers can’t. If that wasn’t enough he provided keyboards, guitars and lead vocals to the likes of “Telling The Bees” where Bravin took over drumming duties.
Guitarist Rikard Sjoblom too shone throughout the night with some tasty solos which added to the material rather than dominated while violinist Clare Lindley and keyboardist Oskar Holldorff added the sprinkles of magic over the top all enhanced by a wonderfully atmospheric light show.
At times the music was dreamlike with the five-part vocal harmonies to “Miramare” so ethereal they almost felt like the caress of a velvet glove. Simply beautiful.
The lively “Black With Ink”, with an almost “Kids In America” vibe pushed the tempo up before “Love Is The Light” from the new album closed the show.
The reaction of the crowd as the band took the bow was heart-warming and certainly vindicated their decision to push through their adversity and look to the future.
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