Writing about Fast Train back in December, we ambitiously declared: “We are honestly surprised at how good ‘For a Second of Your Smile’ is”. Such a statement doesn’t happen often in our Mesmerized world, yet the Portsmouth-based outfit seems to have struck sonic gold, with shimmering, lush guitars and buoyant vocals against a backdrop of indie-powered euphoria. Guided by wise musical voyager Tom Wells, Fast Train has recently unveiled their debut album, ‘Escape to Ourworld’.
Speaking of escapism – the record does truly deliver. Entering the group’s eclectic and pensive artistic universe is rather easy, with the album providing a listening experience that’s vibrant and cathartic, yet also striking and energetic. Standing as Fast Train’s debut long-length effort, ‘Escape To Ourworld’ fulfils its destiny with opener ‘Welcome to Ourworld’, an intense, bombastic rise to heaven, perhaps with a hint of classic power-pop and Beatle-esque elegance.
Elsewhere, ‘The Sunny Hours’ reveals the band and Well’s imaginative arrangement abilities, with a marching snare, a heartwarming piano and long textures sustaining Tom’s hazy, spacious vocals. Whimsical, blissful and introspective themes are a constant in ‘Escape To Ourworld’, completing what’s certainly a self-fulfilling prophecy – you wanted escapism? You got it.
Benefitting from the expert hands of renowned engineer Mikko Gordon (IDLES, The Smile, Gaz Coombes) and from a collaboration with Turin Brakes’ Olly Knights (‘The Minstrels Gallery’), Fast Train seem to have distilled a very specific vision for their future. That’s a dreamy vision we solidly stand behind – looking forward to hearing more.
Recommended! Discover ‘Escape to Ourworld’ on Spotify:
