A Rook House for Bobby - I Like Trains Single Review

Photo:link

Single Review

It is quite ironic how iLiKETRAiNS shines out from the British indie scene yet they are anything but bright and cheery in their style. However it is the depth and character to their sounds and dark melodies that fascinate the ear.

'A Rook House for Bobby' is the Leeds band's second single and tells the true story of former chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer, an eccentric who joined an apocalyptic cult. The song seems to have the surreal baritone nature to the vocals mixed with an echoey and sombre timbre.

The band are somewhat disturbing in a mysterious way and this song could definitely be in the soundtrack of a creepy Hitchcock style film (maybe even strangers on trains!).

Although the band are renowned for not wanting to conform to a single genre and style within their music, this single is similarly sinister as their debut double single 'BEFORETHECURTAiNSCLOSE'.

Sometimes, music can be like the Emperor's new clothes. Critics feel they have to praise a new variety of music or one that seems profoundly artistic and alternative. This song is slightly precocious in its seriousness but there is no doubting there is lots of talent and thought that has gone into creating it. In this era of manufactured and 'already been done before' music, it makes a change to hear music that has a lot of genuine passion and depth to it and challenges you to focus on the varying facets of its style. You can listen to it time and time again and find something new to appreciate which is why an album by the band would make compelling listening.

Christopher Hammer