There really is something about I Like Trains that is uniquely appealing compared to many of their fellow British alt/post-rock bands. They have never been afraid to push the boat out a little, as evidenced by the conceptual nature of much of their output, and, perhaps more importantly, they have been lucky enough to pick up on the qualities that every interesting band of their ilk desires; i.e. they can write interesting music and proper songs at the same time. 2010’s 'He Saw the Deep' proved this in hugely impressive fashion and 'The Shallows', benefiting from some new facets added to the band’s sound, is another excellent offering from the Leeds quartet.
The band has clearly been influenced more than before by the textures of electronic music on this album. There are bubbling synth lines around every corner and the guitars often weave in and out of affairs in wonderfully ambiguous fashion. There is little straight up rock music on display here but that doesn’t make the music any less powerful. David Martin’s serene tones add just about the right amount of extra despondency to what is already a fairly despairing sonic palette and, as ever, slightly abstract but nonetheless meaningful lyrics. Apparently this record is largely about a love/hate relationship with technology, but if you didn’t know that you could still find your own meaning in these songs.
The irony of this album’s title is never more apparent than on closer 'In Tongues' and the preceding 'We Used to Talk'. 'The Shallows' is a journey...but most definitely to the very depths. Atmospherically, this is I Like Train’s greatest triumph yet. It gives off the same
claustrophobic feel of good film noir, and is equally intriguing despite its darkness. Of course, I Like Trains are not complete miserabilists. They punctuate their gloom with the odd strand of hope, even if that hope is only apparent through one joyously enthralling synth line.
On this record I Like Trains have done what all the best alt-rock bands have done at some point in their career. They have continued their good form but through progressing as a creative force. In case there was any doubt after the quality of their previous efforts, 'The Shallows' confirms that I Like Trains are one of the best bands in Britain. They deserve all the credit that they can get.
'The Shallows' is out on Monday 7th May via I Like Records. I Like Trains play Live at Leeds on Saturday 5th May, The Borderline in London on Monday 7th May and The Soup Kitchen in Manchester on Saturday 12th May.
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The band has clearly been influenced more than before by the textures of electronic music on this album. There are bubbling synth lines around every corner and the guitars often weave in and out of affairs in wonderfully ambiguous fashion. There is little straight up rock music on display here but that doesn’t make the music any less powerful. David Martin’s serene tones add just about the right amount of extra despondency to what is already a fairly despairing sonic palette and, as ever, slightly abstract but nonetheless meaningful lyrics. Apparently this record is largely about a love/hate relationship with technology, but if you didn’t know that you could still find your own meaning in these songs.
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