Progressive rock can either be a blessing or a curse. Vodka favorites in this genre`, Big Big Train, have just released their latest long-player, Common Ground (July 2021), which falls firmly in the former category.  The video for the title track (seen/heard here) of the new LP starts in silence with a simple statement: 

“There is more that unites us than divides us.”

And then the music and lyrics kick in to remind us why that is so! It’s a message that needs to be emphasized often. The 24-hour news cycle relies on highlighting our divisions in order to strengthen their profit. Social media can either aid the positive or strengthen the negative. It is our personal connection with each other that allows us to forget the differences and share what we have in common. If we focus on our personal connections instead of our differences, we will be better for it!

Nothing has separated us more from our human interaction than the pandemic. Common Ground (the LP) was written during the height of the first wave in 2020. The LP shares the band’s insights on loss, death, love, and more during that time.

Throughout the single, there are many moments of compositional brilliance and lyrical excellence. A repeated theme is:

“We claim our common ground!”

There is a feeling of triumphant success woven into the anthemic ending where that lyric repeats as the instrumental parts come to a brilliant finale. It is sung one final time in near quiet. 

You can find more information on Big Big Train by heading up to the band’s complete website. Everything you need is there, including all social, purchase, and streaming links. If you don’t know who Big Big Train is, check out Vodka’s other posts for the band.

Join the positive people by switching off the 24-hour news and picking up a copy of Common Ground now! Then go out into the world and make some new connections. Stop focusing on your tribal instincts, and find some “common ground” with those around you.

Note: Unfortunately, we are still dealing with Covid 19. The variants are making a comeback, which means that the livelihoods of artists like Big Big Train and many others are still threatened. If your situation allows it, consider purchasing more in these tough times. Please, if you are physically able to do so, get the vaccine! –Vodka