Review Summary: An album full of life and the transcendence to cloud nine
It is very unfortunate that such a hopeful and positive album came out right after the sudden and tragic death of David Longdon. In a strange quirk of fate, the charismatic vocalist has sung for the last time and has left this world with a magnificent performance. BBT's {i]Welcome to the Planet[/i] sounds more alluring than
Common Ground and much more accessible than the
Grand Tour and this does not have to do only with the duration of tracks but also with the quality music itself.
With an enthusiastic and sparkling tone, the opener "Made of Sunshine" talks about the joy of parents as they look at their newborn child and with Longdon's elegant vocals, the beginning could not be more life-affirming than this. Follow-up track "The Connection Plan" enters with the dynamic violin of Carly Bryant and provides a euphoric tone similar to its predecessor. Nick D’Virgilio provides some dynamic backing vocals for this energetic and ridiculously upbeat track; one of the album's greatest moments. Another Nick D'Virgilio contribution to the album is the impressive "Bats in the Belfry", an instrumental track that oozes character and personality: his creativity and dexterity in the last minute is from another planet.
“Lanterna” is a track about a historic lighthouse inspired by Spawton's wanderings in Italy and captures the historic element that the Britons became famous for.
Welcome to the Planet contains also a couple of sumptuous ballads: the enthralling piano-led “Oak and Stone” with some achingly stylish vocals and “Capitoline Venus", a smooth and touching love song written by Greg for his wife featuring himself on acoustic guitar and David on vocals.
“Proper Jack Froster" is a Christmas track written some months ago and is the place where Carly Bryant gets her first solo vocal moment. Her warm and calm voice fits the track nicely but despite the vocal harmonies adding to the overall mood, Longdon is the brightest star. Carly's final contribution comes with the title track, a song written and sang entirely by her and it’s unlike anything the band has ever done before.
Overall, Big Big Train provides us with another stellar output of some beautiful, qualitative prog rock music.
Welcome to the World contains tracks that provide the space and the platform for each of its members to exhibit their diverse skills and talent. However, in the spotlight, there he stands mightily and strongly for one last time, shining with another brilliant vocal performance. David Longdon will be sorely missed.
