Good old punk rage. It’s been a while since I have been sent a striking, furious, punchy record. The kind of record that’s partly gritty, partly a tribute to the greats of unapologetic music. Train Traffic fits that mold perfectly, and their homonymous latest album reiterates their willingness to break free from modern formulas, or any attempt at virality. Simply, they describe the reality around them in terms everyone can understand.
Such a reality is the New York City subway, a city the group call home. Over ten fuzzy and energetic episodes, Train Traffic deliver street-inspired stories alongside majestic, frantic punk rock characters. ‘Sit Down Shut Up’ opens the record in a fast-paced fashion, also showcasing the group’s half-spoken, half-sung vocals. A series of calls and responses from other members of the band make the listening experience a collective fever dream.
‘Rat Queen’ and ‘New Jersey’ condensate the most heart-shaking, leg-breaking aura in less than two minutes, reiterating how a song can have a lasting impact even if it’s a short piece. Overall, there’s a constant balance between uplifting, playful songwriting and more haunting, dark-oriented works. It’s a balance that seems to pay off: ‘Train Traffic’ is an album worth diving into.
Recommended! Discover ‘Train Traffic’ on Spotify:
