This new three-hour package, which includes 3CDs and a Blu-ray disc, really is a game of two halves, since it includes the full setlist from the second night of the pair of September 2023 concerts at London’s Cadogan Hall, followed by the seven different tracks that were played on the first night. I do have some reservations about this rather confusing approach to the running order but all you really need to know is that the recordings do full justice to the band, and have an intriguing mix of older, newer, and re-arranged tracks. The first full release of a live recording of the new line up is going to be on most fan’s shopping list and you can be reassured that you will be delighted by it, although note that this review only covers the audio recordings.
The setlist of the second night, track 1 Folklore to track 11 Victorian Brickwork is a masterful example of putting on a show that not only flows effortlessly but also demonstrates the full range in the band’s repertoire, offering up a few surprises, and is delivered with exceptional skill and showmanship.
The band had chosen to showcase the English Electric albums, in particular, across the two nights. Some of these selections work really well as some have not been played in a live setting previously, or are just indispensable live picks, but personally, I do tend to think that when you add this to the way the running order as presented it makes the end-to-end listening experience a bit lop-sided. Perfectly understandable for the film to play like this, but not necessarily for the audio.
One of the more interesting aspects of these live recordings is how Alberto’s voice and delivery compares to previous examples from the David Longdon era. Folklore is a great example of the difference in the style of the two singers, where Alberto’s vocal power seems to be more suited to his style of delivery, making it a fabulously exciting set opener. In contrast, and where Alberto is not necessarily playing to his strengths, there is Curator of Butterflies where he is less effective. However, something that works particularly well across the whole concert is how complementary Alberto Bravin and Nick D’Virgilio’s voices are and what an effective partnership they are developing into. The vocal performances in this live setting, and when the chorus of supporting vocals also features, is very impressive.
Of course, where Big Big Train continue to excel is the collective sound and the melding of the electric and acoustic sections of the band. The inclusion of the instrumental track Apollo from 2021’s Common Ground demonstrates this perfectly and is a fine addition to the set, and it is always a treat on a live album to hear something a bit different which, in this case, is the inclusion of the acoustic medley consisting of Leopards, Meadowlands and Wassail. One of those moments that brings it home to me how good it would have been to experience this in person, in the moment.
Even the Drums and Brass section gets a nod of approval. Close to the edge of being indulgent, tracks like this are tricky to pull off but Nick certainly has the personality to carry off a drum solo and the brass section provides a narrative arc, and inject a bit of humour, with their arrangement of the vivace theme from Heart of the Sunrise.
The songs from the first night are all of the same high quality but after the highs of the encore (another splendid rendition of East Coast Racer and the perennial favourite Victorian Brickwork) from the second night are played out, the lack of a coherent context for the songs that follow takes something away from my enjoyment. Having the same final track played on both nights was maybe a missed opportunity to provide a more satisfying ending to the run of tracks 12-18, from the first night’s set. The tribute to David Longdon with Telling the Bees is a highlight, of course, and it’s great to hear a second track, Oblivion, selected from the latest album, The Likes of Us.
These days we get live releases to accompany all tours, and most festival appearances, and they can’t all be described as essential, but there is sufficient variation in the set lists this time round to satisfy the completists. The added interest from the recent line-up changes makes this a perfect time to dip into this if your music collection has a ‘Big Big Train Live’ gap to be filled.
TRACK LISTING
01. Folklore (7:23)
02. The Connection Plan (4:15)
03. Curator Of Butterflies (8:22)
04. Summoned By Bells (10:25)
05. Drums & Brass 2023 (5:35)
06. Love Is The Light (7:02)
07. A Boy In Darkness (8:30)
08. Apollo (8:32)
09. Acoustic Medley (13:56)
10. East Coast Racer (16:13)
11. Victorian Brickwork (14:19)
12. Oblivion (5:52)
13. Swan Hunter (6:43)
14. Keeper Of Abbeys (7:46)
15. Brooklands (13:24)
16. Hedgerow (8:37)
17. Telling The Bees (7:30)
18. Judas Unrepentant (8:00)
Total Time – 163:24
MUSICIANS
Alberto Bravin – Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Nick D’Virgilio – Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Rikard Sjöblom – Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals
Greg Spawton – Bass, Bass Pedals
Oskar Holldorff – Keyboards, Vocals
Clare Lindley – Violin, Vocals
~ With:
Maria Barbieri – Guitars
The Big Big Train Brass Ensemble – Brass
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: InsideOut Music
Country of Origin: U.K.
Date of Release: 13thSept 2024
LINKS
Big Big Train – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | X