English Electric: Full Power
Big Big Train · 2013
135 min · 19 tracks · progressive rock
A vibrant tapestry of progressive rock, blending intricate melodies with lyrical storytelling that captures the essence of British culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Make Some Noise Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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The First Rebreather — This track exemplifies the band's intricate musical craftsmanship, weaving complex arrangements with evocative lyrics about environmental themes and human resilience.
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Seen Better Days — With its poignant narrative about nostalgia and loss, this song encapsulates the emotional depth that characterizes much of the album's lyrical content.
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Judas Unrepentant — This track showcases a dramatic shift in dynamics and tempo, illustrating the band's ability to blend storytelling with powerful instrumentation.
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East Coast Racer — Featuring a sweeping arrangement that captures the thrill of speed and movement, this epic track concludes the album on a high note while reinforcing the band’s thematic focus on journeys.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intricate compositions with strong musicianship, reflecting its progressive rock roots while exploring cultural themes.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that showcase the band's musicianship, often exceeding five minutes in length.
- Lyrical themes draw heavily from British culture and history, with storytelling elements that are woven into the melodic structure of the songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with peaks
- intricate melodies for deep listening
- engaging narrative arcs throughout
- for reflective afternoons
- wave-like pacing with crescendos
Maybe skip if you
- dislike lengthy listening experiences
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified their status in the progressive rock scene after a long hiatus.
- Themes
- British nostalgia· environmental resilience· speed on the East Coast
- Career context
- Upon its release in 2013, 'English Electric: Full Power' marked Big Big Train's seventh studio album and solidified their status in the progressive rock scene after a decade-long hiatus. This album followed a period of revitalization for the band, showcasing their artistic maturity and commitment to storytelling through music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Transatlantic· The Flower Kings· Marillion
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Summoned by Bells
The narrative shifts from recollections of childhood to reflections on adulthood creates a poignant juxtaposition.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Make Some Noise Start here 4:22
- 2 The First Rebreather 8:31
- 3 Uncle Jack 3:49
- 4 Swan Hunter 6:20
- 5 Seen Better Days 7:37
- 6 Edgelands 1:25
- 7 Summoned by Bells 9:16
- 8 Upton Heath 5:39
- 9 A Boy in Darkness 8:03
- 10 Hedgerow 8:54
Disc 2
- 1 Judas Unrepentant 7:17
- 2 Worked Out 7:30
- 3 Winchester From St Giles’ Hill 7:17
- 4 The Lovers 5:32
- 5 Leopards 3:53
- 6 Keeper of Abbeys 6:58
- 7 The Permanent Way 8:16
- 8 East Coast Racer 15:44
- 9 Curator of Butterflies 8:45
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Misplaced Childhood
Marillion
Explores British themes through intricate narratives and progressive instrumentation in a similar melodic style.
March of Ghosts
Gazpacho
Shares lush arrangements and storytelling that evoke a strong sense of place and mood, akin to British nostalgia.
Your Wilderness
The Pineapple Thief
Combines atmospheric soundscapes with reflective lyrics, echoing the emotional depth found in Big Big Train's work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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