Trains Without Timetables is a collaboration between vocalist Laura Aalto (Turku, Finland) and composer Mike Spreier (Pasadena, California). Laura and Mike first met while separately participating in the 2007 RPM Challenge - the challenge is to "record an album in 28 days, just because you can. That’s 10 songs or 35 minutes of original material recorded during the month of February." At the end of the challenge, they exchanged their finished albums, and instantly became mutual admirers.
Finding each other at the challenge again in February, 2008, they quickly agreed to collaborate on a song for Mike's project, Alchemist Corpse Rite. The resulting track was described by a fellow RPM participant Another Cultural Landslide: "My Voice In Her Heart may very well be the stand-out cut we've heard from this year's challenge (and that's really saying something). Hell, it gives us goosebumps every time we hear it."
Laura and Mike felt the goosebumps as well, and a further collaboration was inevitable. Work began on the project that would soon be named Trains Without Timetables; a name that reflects the patient yet inevitable and unstoppable nature of the project - a direct opposition to the frantic pace which characterizes the RPM Challenge.
In fact, 2009 would see Mike (as Alchemist Corpse Rite) and Laura (as SiameseDrummers) each complete their third RPM Challenge albums (including two more collaborative songs: Vision in Gold and Vision in Silver) before releasing their first song as Trains Without Timetables - A Nighttime Song
THE MUSIC
The Trains' style combines elements of dream pop, shoegaze, and trip hop, but with a sometimes folk-like emphasis on more traditional instruments. Sampled acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, cello and french horns are often used to create rich and delicate tapestries of sound. Yet other songs with strong beats and electric guitars do not seem out of place, but indicate the very broad palette with which the Trains create. And no matter the style of song, Laura Aalto's rich, vibrant and soulful vocals form a perfect complement to the music.
While there is a darkness here, it is not sinister, but rather a melancholy spirit born from the murkiest oceans. But there is much beauty to be found as well, in a world where cascading arpeggios flow effortlessly, and Laura's enchanting vocals capture the spirit of a bird in flight, or the fleeting moment when the last ray of light fades from the sky.
Trains Without Timetables will take you on a journey through all that, and beyond...
WHAT THE FANS SAY
* Des ailes avec vous... chouette (The wings with you... giant)
* Diggin it! It's Kate Bush meets Dead Can Dance. Awesome!
* soothing well sung like enya
* reminds me of Cocteau Twins. I like it a lot! =D
* SUHWEET!
* this is truly beautiful, and haunting.
* Lovely darkness!
* WOW, WOW, WOW...what an unbelievable track! Kudos!
hey just wanted to say thanks for accepting our friends request. how was your new years??? by the way we are gunna have new songs soon check back soon ok? :) Keep in touch
