8 out of 10
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To All Trains is the final album created by Noise Rock greats Shellac, fronted by the legendary producer, guitarist and vocalist Steve Albini—who unexpectedly passed away a week before the album’s release— backed by the rhythm of bassist Bob Weston, and the uniquely symmetrical drummer Todd Trainer.
As has been shown throughout the past weeks, it will be impossible to talk about this album and not mention the passing of visionary Steve Albini, who has been the driving force for Shellac since its first incarnation. This obviously is not the first occurrence of such an intrinsic link between the artists passing and the art - take Keith Haring’s “Unfinished Painting” and the masterpiece of David Bowie’s Blackstar.
But the difference between “To All Trains” and these other pieces is how they feel quite like the end, in comparison to the thriving active feel of our Shellac album. It doesn’t feel like it should be the end, because it shouldn’t - Steve Albini’s death was sudden and they had planned a tour later on this year. But To All Trains feels like a satisfying end to a brilliant band - sure it may not feel like a grand sending off as something like J Dilla’s “Donuts”, but it wraps up what has been an absolutely illustrious career.
This brings us onto the musical content, which is full of the classic jagged sound that you come to expect from a Shellac production. take “Wsod”, the opener, which begins with a wailing guitar tone that is soaked in an oppressive repetitive feel that pervades the entire piece. the rhythmic section slowly start their engines through a syncopated burst. as the bassline exudes a deep, resonant fullness and the snare cracks with whip-like dynamics.
Each instrument's raw, unpolished crunch feels perfectly crafted to maintain coherence without losing its chaotic edge. Towards the end of the track, the dynamics gradually subside, all while Albini’s voice seems to whisper “Get that man a medal”, before a blistering cacophony of pure steel overdrive blasts open, swallowing the dynamics of the stereo mix and washing away any doubts of the band’s relentless energy.
The whole album feels dizzy and gritty in a good way. One of my favourite songs off the album, "Chick New Wave" starts with a sustained singular chord thrash, as Albini states "I'm through with music from dudes", which is funny considering the record this lyric finds itself on.
The song begins to breaks down in the classic Shellac half time fashion, Todd Trainer takes center stage with his snappy fills. I adore that man's drumming, i love his syncopation to the bass which is all over this record, it just adds a hungry punch to all the songs. The song "Wednesday" is filled with a minimalist eerie vibe, as the song focuses more on the space between the instruments and the silence between drum strikes.
And of course, there is the ultimate closing track "I Don't fear Hell", which is the most unbelievably badass way to finish such an illustrious career. The song is firing all cannons in all directions, with Todd's rolling drum fills and Bob's looping bassline reminiscent of "Didn't We Deserve a Look At You The Way You Really Are" (the most infamous Shellac song ever, almost like a callback) and Albini's scratching guitar like running your fingernails through velcro.
Albini sings what can be considered the song's chorus “When this is over / Leap in my grave like the arms of a lover / If there's a heaven, I hope they're having fun / Cause if there’s a hell, I'm gonna know everyone.” And with the seething droning guitar at the end, this song serves as an absolutely boss way to cap off such a brilliant band, and an insanely influential career of an insanely talented man.
Some of the songs on To All Trains do not give such a lasting impact as say, Prayer to God or some other highlights from their discography, but it’s easy to overlook that. Even without the context of Albini’s passing, this album reminds you of a reunion of an adored band to blast thee soundsystem once more. There are some great songs here and even know its not meant to be a valedictory of his career, it serves as a fitting one. It’s not trying to cling onto the past or try anything to insane, it’s just a bloody good record.
Favourite Track: Wsod or Chick New Wave
If you like, listen to: More Shellac, Swans, Slint (really any post-hardcore band with S. sssss...)
"We'll be lucky if I don't bust out crying..."