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Big Big Train: Welcome to the Planet
 What should have been seen as a crowning achievement for UK proggers Big Big Train instead turned into tragedy when longtime lead vocalist David Longdon died suddenly after an accident in his home just two months before their new album Welcome to the Planet was set to be released. Coming just a year after their previous full-length Common Ground, Welcome to the Planet now will probably be remembered more as Longdon's final statement rather than what it should be, as quite possibly Big Big Train's finest moment. The late vocalist put in one of his finest performances here, and the rest of the band, including Nick D'Virgilio, Dave Foster, Clare Lindley, Rikard Sjoblom, Gregory Spawton, and others who contributed mightily to the music, can and should all feel confident that this is a real work of brilliance in the career of a band that has had many bright moments. David's confident vocal delivery soars over the top of prog-rock gems such as "Made From Sunshine", "Lanterna", "Proper Jack Froster", the gorgeous "Oak and Stone" (sounding like a young Peter Gabriel), and the adventurous, slightly bluesy title track, which also features the sultry Carly Bryant on vocals. Biting electric guitars, lush acoustic guitar, a wealth of keyboards, violin, brass, flutes, drums, percussion, and bass make up the instrumentation, and it's all layered spectacularly. There are also a couple delicious instrumentals in the form of "Bats in the Bellfry" and "A Room With No Ceiling", both highly enjoyable and add to the variety found throughout the album.
Where Big Big Train goes from here is anyone's guess, but despite the huge loss of Longdon, let's hope they take some time to grieve before hopefully returning to make new music for us once again. In the meantime, this is one of 2022's must hear prog-rock releases. RIP David Longdon.
Track Listing
1.
Made From Sunshine 04:04
2.
The Connection Plan 03:55
3.
Lanterna 06:29
4.
Capitoline Venus 02:27
5.
A Room With No Ceiling 04:52
6.
Proper Jack Froster 06:46
7.
Bats In The Belfry 04:54
8.
Oak and Stone 07:12
9.
Welcome To The Planet 06:41
Added: April 21st 2025
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:  
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 1259
Language: english
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Big Big Train: Welcome to the Planet
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2025-04-21 23:24:45
My Score:
Big Big Train has been around for what seems like forever. It is rather hard to believe the band formed all the way back in 1990 and have built a discography that would be the envy of many bands. In 2022 they released Welcome To The Planet and anyone who follows the band knows of the ensuing tragedy involving David Longdon, a member since 2009 whose contribution to the band’s sound cannot be overstated. I have had this disc for a while now but it has taken some time to get around to it and I have no idea why, because this is just a fabulous album. And let’s be honest, with players like Rikard Sjöblom, Nick D’Virgilio, Gregory Spawton, and the aforementioned Longdon, how could it be anything but.
The album begins with the earworm laden “Made From Sunshine” where ear pleasing acoustic guitar, tasty keyboards, and Longdon’s slightly wistful lead vocals make for an excellent first track. The use of French horn, tuba, trombone, and trumpet adds a nice embellishment to the sound. There is a grandiose element at work here including a lovely guitar solo. The violin is the center of attention in the excellent “The Connection Plan”. This is a more up-tempo affair and another tasty slice of melodic progressive rock. Fans of Saga and Yes should really dig this one. A pretty acoustic guitar begins “Lanterna”, before the tempo picks up with cool muted guitar lines and swirling piano. The intensity amps up with exceptional guitar work and tasteful organ and synths. “Capitoline Venus” is a lovely, heartfelt ballad where Spawton’s 12-string acoustic guitar and Mellotron strings and Longdon’s Gabrielesque delivery bring it all home. The trippy intro to “A Room With No Ceiling” is spacey and psychedelic, the subtly stabbing electric guitar enhancing the fusion-prog soundscape, followed by a lively groove which reminded a little of Jethro Tull. Nick’s drumming is riveting throughout and the dreamy Rhodes from Sjöblom fills in beautifully. Spawton’s wonderful bass is also noteworthy. And just to confirm we are listening to prog, the band close out the song with accordion, not sounding out of place for one second!
Welcome To The Planet will be another excellent addition to any fans CD collection. The band’s uncompromising attention to detailed arrangements and melodies will not go unnoticed. Absolutely recommended!
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