UK proggers Big Big Train have set their new album’s departure date, inviting Passengers to join them for a Grand Tour. The title, tracklisting, and Sarah Ewing’s new album art are suggestive of the band’s direction this time out; having mined the treasures of the English countryside and industry for well over a decade, Big Big Train will now further explore the legacy of 17th & 18th Century European Humanisms as previously featured in songs like “Experimental Gentlemen” and “A Mead Hall in Winter.” Intriguingly, this marks the first time that the vinyl track order for a Big Big Train album matches the CD running order.

As per usual, The Merch Desk has pre-orders for music + merch bundles (including cushion covers, t-shirts, and temporary tattoos), Burning Shed has the exclusive coloured vinyl, and Bandcamp will have high resolution downloads for those craving quality without clutter. Grand Tour will be full steam ahead on May 17, 2019—you are encouraged to reserve your seat now.

Side 1
1. Novum Organum (2:25)
2. Alive (4:34)
3. The Florentine (8:17)

Side 2
4. Roman Stone (13:33)
5. Pantheon (6:12

Side 3
6. Theodora in Green and Gold (5:32)
7. Ariel (14:28)

Side 4
8. Voyager (14:20)
9. Homesong (4:50)

By Craig E. Bacon

Husband, Father, Philosopher, Music/Beer/Comics Enthusiast—Craig has written for The Prog Report and ProgRadar, and now serves as de facto progressive music editor for MusicTAP. Please direct interview requests & review submissions to [email protected]