REVIEW: FAST TRAIN UNION - Analog Outliers

 

FAST TRAIN UNION - Analog Outliers

Independent

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It’s been 12 years since the exceptional release with the simple and meaningful title "II," which in Latin means "2" and was the second album from the Canadian band FAST TRAIN UNION. While many things can change over the course of 12 years, FAST TRAIN UNION have remained steadfast in where and how they want to move musically. In short, their new release, with the equally meaningful title "Analog Outliers," picks up right where "II" left off.

You see, this band isn’t interested in creating music for consumption or to impress. They don’t aim to write songs that you’ll hear once and forget by the time the next hit song comes out. They create music for people who understand that hard rock and heavy metal are genres that require soul, passion, and emotion – elements that cannot be forced or commercialized. That’s why they release new work only when they feel they genuinely have something to offer their audience.

Another key aspect of their musical philosophy is that they insist on producing their sound in the way bands did in the '70s and '80s. They avoid the conveniences of modern technology, which often results in new releases sounding "plastic" and indistinguishable from each other. And indeed, the results fully justify them, as their sound is clear, dynamic, and full of character, allowing the talents of all the musicians involved in this release to shine through.

This album will be available on both CD and vinyl, with the CD format including the following 5 bonus tracks: “Union,” “Stand,” “Closer To The Edge,” “Third Rail,” and “It's Not a Game” – tracks that in no way could be considered as mere fillers.

FAST TRAIN UNION’s style is a mix of hard rock and heavy metal influences that come exclusively from the '70s and '80s, without, however, leading to blind and dogmatic imitation. On the contrary, it possesses freshness and enthusiasm that are filtered through the maturity of the musicians participating in this release. Their music is characterized by beautiful melodies, a powerful rhythm section, outstanding lead parts, and guitar solos with a strong blues touch, while the passionate and dynamic performance of their singer, Sean Potvin, naturally stands out.

With all sincerity and without exaggeration, FAST TRAIN UNION manages to create a sound that, while familiar, has its own personality. Certainly, while listening to the album, you will find influences from Michael Schenker, Scorpions, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, RAINBOW, etc., but all these are incorporated into the FAST TRAIN UNION sound in a completely natural way.

This is a high-quality release created with care and with materials that give it a timeless character. In any case, this is an album worth listening to, and for the writer, it stands out as one of the most noteworthy releases of the year. Get a ticket for the FAST TRAIN UNION train, and you’ll enjoy a musical journey with a strong '70s and '80s character.

Νικόλαος Παραστατίδης