06/02/26
Big Big Train, the award-winning, progressive rock band, issue their 16th studio. Woodcut is a landmark release for the international group, whose line-up draws together members from England, Scotland, Italy, the USA, Sweden and Norway, in that it marks their first ever full-length conceptual piece. “The story isn’t set in any particular timeframe, but it’s about The Artist, who is struggling with life,” founding member Gregory Spawton begins. “He takes a stroll and finds this piece of heartwood and creates something that he considers beautiful and different. Maybe it’s a dream or maybe it’s real life, but he finds himself stepping into this Narnia-style woodcut world.”
A more band-based effort, Woodcut sees all seven members making stunning contributions, with frontman Alberto Bravin taking the lead as producer: “This time it’s kind of a new statement for the band. ‘Woodcut’ is a big step forward for us,” he comments. Featuring 16 tracks across 66-minutes of runtime, ‘Woodcut’ feels epic without outstaying its welcome.
The album is graced with a striking cover design from Dorset-based artist Robin Mackenzie - a black and white woodcut print, of course, derived from a woodcut which the band commissioned from him specifically for the album.