English Electric Part Two cover

English Electric Part Two

Big Big Train · 2013

57 min · 7 tracks · progressive rock

A vibrant tapestry of lush melodies and intricate arrangements that encapsulate the essence of modern progressive rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    East Coast Racer Start here — The opening track serves as an epic journey, blending complex rhythms with evocative lyrics about speed and nostalgia, setting the tone for the album.
  • →
    Swan Hunter — This track artfully weaves personal and historical narratives, showcasing the band's ability to create vivid imagery through music while maintaining a haunting melody.
  • →
    Keeper of Abbeys — With its reflective lyrics and rich instrumentation, this song exemplifies the band's mastery of blending emotional depth with intricate musicality, resonating deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and strong lyrical storytelling, typical of modern progressive rock.

What we noticed

  • Each track typically develops through multiple sections, often transitioning from softer melodies to more intense instrumental passages.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady pacing with gradual build
  • evocative storytelling throughout tracks
  • immersive full-album experience
  • reflective moments of contemplation

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Further established their influence with ambitious compositions and storytelling.
Themes
nostalgic speedways· industrial heritage· personal histories
Career context
By the time 'English Electric Part Two' was released in 2013, Big Big Train had become a notable name in the progressive rock scene, following up on their critically acclaimed 2012 album 'English Electric Part One'. This release continued to solidify their reputation for storytelling through music, showcasing their evolution as a band in both sound and thematic depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Transatlantic· The Flower Kings· Marillion

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Curator of Butterflies

    The song shifts from abstract imagery to a poignant reflection on memory and loss.

    This transition emphasizes a personal connection that contrasts with earlier verses, grounding the ethereal language in tangible human experience.

Tracklist

  • 1 East Coast Racer Start here 15:43
  • 2 Swan Hunter 6:20
  • 3 Worked Out 7:30
  • 4 Leopards 3:54
  • 5 Keeper of Abbeys 6:58
  • 6 The Permanent Way 8:29
  • 7 Curator of Butterflies 8:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata