Express Train

One of the better albums to come out this year.

When Train started off with their self-titled debut, they were bracketed as a one-time-wonder. "Drops Of Jupiter", their most recent, is a surefire hit, rooting them firmly as the emerging biggies of alt-rock. The better among the decelerated tracks are "Let It Roll", "Hopeless" and "Something More". "Mississippi" is a guaranteed anesthetic that rolls like mercury on a silver disc.

"She’s On Fire" and "Getaway" are edgy with a distinctive haunting rhythm and the title track, "Drops Of Jupiter" soars and swoops with dynamic enegy, making it a personal favourite.

Reminiscent of Dave Mathews Band and the layered strains of Elton John, the lyrics are smoothly rounded and the orchestration is wide and wonderful, taking in the sounds of mandolin, acoustic guitar and organ. A must have.

This article was first published on14 Feb 2002.