This Train's first UK release was hotly anticipated by this reviewer, and it hasn't disappointed. A mish-mash of influences and a fair dose of humour leads to an accessible mix of surf-rock, country, and rockabilly. There are definitely enough layers and variety to keep the listener interested. "We're Getting Nowhere (Fast)" seems to be the band's attempt to tell their own story but may now be inaccurate as they begin to garner airplay on Christian radio stations. Guest musicians include Rick Elias, Ashley Cleveland, and ex-member Beki Hemingway, plus a few others. Also, Rich Mullins co-wrote "A Million Years" with the band, who toured with him.
The liner notes give a couple of sentences' worth of insight into each song, and show that the songs are a mixture of good fun and humour with serious theological issues and questions. A fun album, an interesting album, and a promising album.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernAs you know from hearing the single "We're Getting Nowhere (Fast)" on last issue's HM sampler CD, these guys do not take themselves seriously. This anti-rock-star-ism mentality is very attractive to the listener who wants nothing more than cool music. Many times, when an artist can just relax and have fun, some of the best music is made. And I like this stuff! This rootsy, easy going…The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Roger AppelinskiMark Heard, The 77's, Vigilantes of Love, This Train. What's the common thread? They each have earned the respect of their fellow musicians and music critics, and they have developed a small but loyal fan base; however, they never received "mass" appeal for their art. These are the types of artists for listeners that like to go beyond the latest pop hook phrases. This Train is no doubt the most…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Dave DraegerCarrying on as a three-piece since parting ways with vocalist Beki Hemingway this past spring, This Train's second album finds the band exploring new musical territory. A pair of distortion-tinged surf instrumentals show off guitarist Jordan Richter's influences, "I Saw the Light" and "Great Atomic Power" cover the full spectrum of country gospel from the sublime to the ridiculous, there's a…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Linda T. StonehockerLast January, This Train did a preview concert of possible songs for their second album, letting the audience determine by secret ballot which to include. While listener feedback was important and rockabilly and swing continue to be This Train's backbone, Mimes of the Old West is a collage encompassing all of This Train's varied interests. Opening with sound bites related to UFO sightings,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Shari LloydThis album has spent way, way too much time in my player. Why? They have such a knack for blending humor with the serious. They laugh at themselves in "We're Getting Nowhere (Fast)" as they poke fun at the slowness of their musical career. They pay tribute to the least of the world in "Mimes of the Old West." Then there is the song, "The Missing Link." Underneath everything is the Gospel. All…Similar sounding releases
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