Big Big Train
Gathering Speed (Remastered)
Gathering Speed tells the story of one of the Fighter Boys of the Battle of Britain. This 2009 version of the album has been remastered by Rob Aubrey from the original tapes and re-released as a digipack with an 8 page poster booklet, including lyrics.
Remastered from the original master tapes in November 2009 by Rob Aubrey.
Praise for the original 2004 version of Gathering Speed:
"Gathering Speed is about a pilot shot down in 1940 during the Battle of Britain, beautifully described by great sounds, excellent melodies and fantastic atmospheres. When packing for your holiday, it is impossible not to take this CD with you." Metal Hammer
"On 'Gathering Speed' Big Big Train have decided to bring us back to the good old days of great progressive rock... the seventies, but they manage to do it without ever coming close to sounding dated. In my opinion their greatest influence is Genesis but not because they actually sound like them (even though at times some of the music could have found it's place on Trick of the Tail or Selling England by the Pound), but more because of the delicate and subtle manner in which they often entangle acoustic guitars, mellotron and piano to produce incredibly moving music. 'Gathering Speed' is an album that should be in the CD collection of every fan of progressive music. My highest possible recommendation. this CD is by far my leading candidate for my best album of 2004."
Prognosis
"the album is a joy musically and an essential purchase for all Genesis, Hackett, etc. fans."
Hairless Heart Herald
"You simply have to hear this album, it will leave you breathless and want to re-discover it again and again. Highly recommended."
Progresy
"this definitely is one of the best symphonic rock albums I've ever heard."
Prog-nose
"This music, no matter where you are coming to it from, is progressive rock in the grand tradition of the best that the UK can offer. Europe does have many great bands but when you really break it down, the UK holds the world in the palm of its hands for sheer quality and, more importantly, vocal ability. Music of the style of Big Big Train is steeped in 40 years of inventive progressive/rock tradition that began with the Beatles. Andy, Greg & Co. create music with a lasting quality that has a large catchment fan base, it crosses many categories. There are hints of Pink Floyd, especially in the quieter vocal sections; other times there is a resemblance to Camel and more so Marillion, post Fish. A brilliant album...don't miss this work of art" European Progressive Rock Reviews
"This new opus will be enjoyed without any doubt by the fans of Genesis, IQ or Marillion . A very beautiful album to be discovered urgently."
Music in Belgium
"This is a CD that no self respecting progressive rock fan should be without. After just three months of 2004 I can see this already down for CD of the year for many in progressive rock circles."
Acid Attack
"...bristling with complexities and interesting progressive elements that will reward repeated listening. The time signatures change continually, there are breaks and reprised themes and solid song structures, and the whole album has a classic progressive sound. You'll hear multi-layered instrumental passages with nine- and ten-minute song lengths, big two- and three-part vocal harmonies, a blues harp (a kind of harmonica), mellotron, twelve string guitars and dual keyboards." Progressive World
"The music on Gathering Speed is structured around beautiful soundscapes and strong melodies. Gathering Speed seems to be sort of a culmination between The Final Cut (Pink Floyd), The Seventh House (IQ) and Alan Parsons (On Air). Big Big Train has taken a giant leap forward and delivered an album without any weaknesses. This year promises to be a great one for progressive rock fans."
9/10 ROCKEZINE
"A concept-album full of fresh and melodic symphonic/progressive rock. The album is mixed by Rob Aubrey and Andy Poole. The mastering is also by Rob Aubrey . IQ fans will recognize this name because he is also the sound engineer of IQ. Big Big Train's previous album was good but they surprised me with this delicious symphonic album. Who said that progressive music was dead?"
Progvisions
"Complex Yes-like stuff here, with sudden shifts from the serene to the energetic and back again. Expect layers and layers of gorgeous Yes-like harmonies. The music, while solidly in the classic Yes/Genesis vein, often takes a more modern approach. Think equal parts Porcupine Tree, Yes, and Genesis, and you'll be in the right neighborhood. Excellent songwriting brings this CD into competition with modern artists such as Spock's Beard and The Flower Kings. Definitely a band to keep an eye on."
Progressive World.net
"You guys have released a masterpiece with this one. This music is amazing. Full of feeling and emotion."
Progressive Music Society
Rock: Shoegaze