The new single "Trains" from Elby ( Leah Belle ) Faser finds her sporting not only a new name but also a new sound. It is not all change though as this release contains much of he charm that drew us towards Elby on her original teenage releases. The opening few seconds of the song play out a train announcement, before the two dominant instrument sounds of the record appear, the relentless drum beat and the dreamy wailing guitar.
It all makes way for a suitably wistful vocal from Elby, on this tale of departures and highly anticipated arrivals. The verse structure is very originally set out - the opening word being the springboard for each verse.
"Skies
Think they got the colour from your eyes
Waiting at the station just to say "Goodbye"
But I’ll wait to cry
Trains
Are only good for taking you away
Need the night to get me through another day
And you’re here to stay"
The chorus is one of anticipation, waiting for the end of an enforced separation
"So I dream too much
Tomorrow’s one day closer
Til I feel your touch
And missing you is over
While the whole world rushes by, I wait
For trains"
The third verse notes the power of memory, and how powerful it can be, There are little fragments played out in the final lines of a new memory waiting to be made at a specific meeting place. The third verse also makes subtle changes to the sound palette, there is an electric note playing out short clipped notes and also an under utilised organ sound
"Time
Holds the memories so I hit rewind
Til I’m there to meet you at the High Street line
‘Neath the Chelsea sign"
The bridge highlights the cauldron of emotions that occur at every airport or train station noting that you are oblivious to it all when you are specifically waiting for someone
"People pass and
Stories unfold
But I’ll never know"
The overall feeling dreaminess follows through into the outro where Elby's layered vocals are an absolutely delightful way to finish
The release of "Trains" was delayed by a week possibly as an in joke for her British fans, with Elby making a comment on our transport system, but have no fear it will arrive in time for release on 25th Oct and is well worth the wait.