🎼Track of the Day
Track: Seed Change
Band: Steam Train Hearts
Genre/s: IndiePop/Indie/IndieRock/JanglePop/Alternative Rock/ Alternative Country/ Folk-Rock/ Indie-Folk
My track of the day is ‘Seed Change’ from the recent album ‘Smoke and Cinder’ by US Indie Rock band, Steam Train Hearts. This band are an offshoot of Jangle-Pop band, The Silent Boys. At the bottom of the review, you can click on one of the links to listen to this track, either on ITunes, Spotify, Bandcamp or YouTube. ‘Seed Change’ can be listened to as a single or part of the album. I’ve deliberately provided links to the album version, so you can explore more tracks by this band⭐️
📚’Seed Change’ Review: This track
begins with a warm ambiance of Americana. It’s infused with the essence of Stateside Alternative Rock. There’s flavours of Pre ‘Green’ era REM as the jangling arpeggios chime, with Country-ish lead guitar, conjuring the spirit of Galaxie 500 in their ‘On Fire’ days. Steam Train Hearts have their own defined sound, much like their sister band, The Silent Boys. Yet, with both bands they have detectable influences and inspirations. Whereas The Silent Boys have a flavour of UK Indiepop about them, bands such as The Smiths, The Housemartins and The Wedding Present spring to mind, Steam Train Hearts have a more Sixties West Coast sound; The bold Psychedelic-Pop tones of bands such as The Beach Boys and The Byrds are apparent. There’s also a smattering of more Country and Rock inspired bands and artists, Big Star and Neil Young spring to mind. Plus, there’s the US Alternative Rock feel that I’ve said about. With all the bands and artists I’ve mentioned, it could be argued that they were typical of their own points in time of musical history. However, I like to think all those mentioned were creating something that wasn’t completely evocative of the time either. As a result ‘Seed Change’ has a certain timeless quality to it. The tune itself is a well constructed Indie-Rock song. The instrumental guitar hooks are little riffs themselves and guitars lock effortlessly into each other. The bass also, must get special mention; it is distinctive, locking totally into the REM-ish Bill Berry-style drums and flourishes and fills flesh out the sound. The chord structures and sections of the tune are meshed together with an air of confidence, there’s a real understanding of how to construct a pop tune. ‘Seed Change’ evolves from intro to verse to pre-chorus to chorus within the boundaries of what I like to call the ‘Magic Minute’; that is, most ideas and intent of the song are divulged to the listener within the first minute of the tune. Familiarity is the essence of this approach, so that the listener feels comfortable, almost briefed on what is to come; anticipation is created to hear a certain section again (such as the chorus), illustrative of effective pop-music techniques. Vocal wise, there’s a strong, slightly ethereal sound and the melody is catchy and memorable. Half way through there’s a chunky Country sounding guitar solo with an honest rootsy-folk sound. The lead lines of the guitar ate played in a relaxed way, so drum and bass get plenty of space to shine with little character-laden hooks of their own. The guitar solo seamlessly segues back into the main riff. ‘Seed Change’ refuses to let up, all the distinctive ear worm hooks and melodies carrying it to its end, imploring for repeat listens. ⭐️
Listen to ‘Seed Change’ by Steam Train Hearts on:
