I Like Trains have just finished a brief UK tour to promote their new album 'He Who Saw The Deep' included was a show at the troubled 100 Club last week, we have a lovely recording that you can download below. I've another show to post as well, probably later this week.
The album released through the bands pledge campaign which means I'm the owner of a rather nice lyric book shows a wonderful maturity and progression in the sound of the band from their debut. It's not quite as bleak nor dark as previous outings yet still in touch with their melancholy post-rock roots. Arguably the best song is the new, longer version of late 2009 single "Sea of Regrets" which ironically is one that fits more with the earlier work, it's a slow burning majesty, full of sorrow that is probably the most affecting song on the entire Trains catalogue.
"A Father's Son" shows the new streamlined iLT's in fine form, Simon Fogal's drumming comes through as a highlight pulling the song together, the same can be said for "Sirens" another of my favourites. For me though, it's Dave Martin's vocal which is the benchmark of Trains, his unique baritone voice is one of the best in the business, even if it's more hushed at times during this record than previously. As "Sea of Regrets" comes to it's momentous orchestral peak during with his repeated cries of "we're out of our depth here..." you can find yourself close to tears. It is that moving, that sublime.
Even though title track 'He Who Saw The Deep' shows more optimism and light than we've previously seen from the Trains boys, the album won't be for everyone, it's still not an entirely cheerful affair, but for anyone who a passing liking for British rock music, it's an essential listen.
8.1 / 10
Anyway, the recording: I was at the 100 Club show; I was in a foul mood which is partly to blame but, it wasn't one of my favourite iLT's shows from the dozen or more I've seen, I really feel that it missed Simon's intense bashing of the drums. That said, I am very much looking forward to his and their return next year.
I Like Trains - `When We Were The Voice Of Reason` - Live at the 100 Club, London, November 2, 2010
audience recording: quality A
DOWNLOAD FLAC: PARTS ONE / TWO
Setlist:
01 Intro/When We Were Kings
02 Father's Son
03 Sirens
04 A Rook House For Bobby
05 Victress
06 Hope Is Not Enough
07 Voice Of Reason
08 Progress Is A Snake
09 We Saw The Deep
10 These Feet Of Clay
11 Sea Of Regrets
12 audience chat/Terra Nova
Taper: EagleDog Productions presents: Lamb79. All credits to, presented here in original format with no amendments.
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