by Graveyard Train
Graveyard Train's latest album is a clear sign that they are developing as songwriters and is absolutely one of my favourite releases of the year so far. Unlike Graveyard Train's previous albums, Takes One To Know One is largely a rock album infused with the strong dark country/bluegrass sound that defined their earlier work. One big change is the stronger presence of drums and less attention on the banjo, although it does feature heavily on the 'The Widow.' Musically the short album is quite varied with the classic Graveyard Train chorus still hard at work. It starts with the toe tapping title track, then moves through a more country feel before heading into an almost ballad-like song 'The Parasite.' In true Graveyard Train fashion the lyrics are themed around death, dying and the afterlife, but is more grounded in daily life rather than folkloric stories and imagination as with the previous albums. From start to finish the album is intensely engaging and perfect for a huge range of listening situations from driving in the car to sitting around a mid-winter bonfire. If this is the first step in a semi-new direction for Graveyard Train then I am very excited to see what these talented musicians do next.
By Cat - The Breakfast Spread
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