Carrying 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 snippet of lounge and a gorgeous acoustic guitar-driven pop song, "A Million Years," penned by Mark Robertson, Mitch McVicker and the late Rich Mullins.
"We're Getting Nowhere (Fast)," a self-deprecating look at the band's career or lack thereof, and the title track are cow-punk romps displaying the humorous side of Robertson's writing. "I Don't Want to Know" and "Who's Stopping You" (a duet with Ashley Cleveland, who also sings on five other tracks) are lyrically arresting and insightful pieces that show Robertson can be as deep as he is funny.
Mimes of the Old West is a very strong sophomore effort and further proof that the humor gene is not disconnected at the point of conversion.
5 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 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…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartThis 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…Similar sounding releases
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