Rare music indeed
R. Dahl | Salt Lake City, Utah USA | 03/17/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The music of Big Big Train continues to improve. The Underfall Yard represents a refinement and maturity for the band. This disc showcases everything that makes classic prog rock great; long compositions, complex rhythms, excellent musicianship, recurring musical themes and thoughtful multi-layered lyrics.
It is easy to identify musical influences like early Genesis, Traffic, Yes and perhaps the historical narratives of Al Stewart. This disc is not a rehash of 70's prog but a continuation and exploration of the form without 'metal' influence prevalent in neo-prog.
While I don't think there is a bad track on the disc, for me the highlights of the are Victorian Brickwork, Winchester Diver and the 23 minute title track The Underfall Yard.
The tight harmonies, compelling lyrics, driving rhythms and deft use of a very English brass section make for a collection that is interesting and enjoyable to listen to."
Absolute greatness
Stephen Prather | Austin, TX USA | 06/22/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm just getting (back) into prog over the last few years. So I can't speak in detail about the band history, evolution, etc. But what I can say is that this work is epic. I'm not one to pay much attention to lyrics. I prefer to "feel" music. Listening to this disc makes me "feel" like I've been transported to a sad but hopeful, misty, English hamlet. The brass section gives me chills. The flute and vocals are perfection. I agree with most others - Victorian Brickwork and The Underfall Yard are the obvious standouts. This is not background music. This is close your eyes and fly with it music.
While I'm a fan of most sub-genres of prog, this is a work of pure, core prog. It's a "picture in the dictionary" type of work. It's a landmark that will be listened to 30 years from now by hyper-intelligent college kids and old grey prog heads alike. Absolute must buy."
Modern prog with modern influences
todd | WA USA | 06/18/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Imagine if the Genesis line-up of '76 had remained intact and continued to make progressive style rock. Yes, the singer is very reminiscent of Phil Collins circa 1976, but there are no pop/Motown allusions here, just fully developed, lavishly produced and soulfully performed pop-prog. The songs don't follow traditional pop convention, but neither are they contrived, overtly dramatic epics, just masterfully written and developed songs.
Imagine if Mike & The Mechanics made a prog album with Paul Carrack as the singer and they borrowed Van Morrison's horn section...you get the picture. No neo-prog here, just good old fashioned lush song craft with no time constraints."
