This year promises to be a great one for progressive rock fans. We’ve already been pleased with releases of Alias Eye, Nemo and Salem Hill and now there’s Big Big Trains fourth studio album, Gathering Speed which has been released late March. Taking the title of the album in mind and the fact that this concept album deals with fighter pilots during the Battle of Britain, I expected fast, furious and explosive prog music. I couldn’t have been more off. The music on Gathering Speed is structured around beautiful soundscapes and strong melodies.

The story line dealing with heroism and fear is foremost carried out by the intense vocals, which are at times a bit on the rough side but really suit the concept. Gathering Speed seems to be sort of a culmination between The Final Cut (Pink Floyd), The Seventh House (IQ) and Alan Parsons (On Air). Big Big Train has taken a giant leap forward and delivered an album without any weaknesses.