Common Ground finds Spawton, Longdon, Nick D'Virgilio and Rikard Sjoblom regrouping and refining BBT's sound, following the exit of certain band members at a time when the world was at its knees due to the pandemic. The album finds a very active Nick D'Virgilio singing in the life-affirming "All the Love We Can Give" and contributing the instrumental behemoth "Apollo". One of my favorite tracks here is "Black With Ink", Spawton's praise to Alexandria's historic library. Another highlight is the 15-minute prog monolith "Atlantic Cable" which touches upon the laying of the first telegraph cables across the ocean, as one of humanity's monumental achievements. The skillful and congenial harmonies delivered through the backing vocals of Carly Bryant, add a welcoming female tone which has become an important ingredient in the Brittons music over the years. The departure of Danny Manners has left a vacant seat behind the keyboards and Rikard Sjoblom has grabbed the opportunity to exhibit his skills and his tasteful mellotron notes, bringing back some 'comfortzone' memories for those Beardfish fans out there. Recommendations: "Black With Ink", "All the Love We Can Give", "Atlantic Cable", "Dandelion Clock".
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