Tram
Frequently Asked Questions
[Jetset]
Rating: 7.0
FAQ regarding Tram's Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Well, what do they sound like?
A: Tram, a band frequently likened to Low, happens to be similarly atmospheric
and slow-paced. But the resemblance ends there. In place of Low's Spartan
restraint and Duluthian Mormon mystique are a tendency toward sedative
multi-instrumental lullabying and a heavy dose of wispy, British melancholy.
Tram's arrangements are vibrantly lush, even orchestral at times, but never
crowded. Paul Anderson's buttery, androgynous voice and a constant presence of
liquid, full-bodied acoustic guitar strumming are the mainstays of Tram's
soporific sound. Tempo-wise, I'd say a tree sloth could really rock out to
this shit.
Q: So, they're like British, huh? Can I expect glib riffs and pop hooks
galore?
A: Uh, well, no. Not really. Poignant, pretty memories abound, but not quite
in "galore" concentrations. Anderson's singing is actually somewhat understated.
He'll often place his accents on the first beat of every measure for an effect
of stoned, rolling, wavy momentum. A second, instrumental melody-- mostly slide
guitar or arpeggiated chords-- often lurks in the shadows and embellishes the
vocal line. The singing won't embed itself in your tossing, turning head, but
the dissembling, subtle beauty of the overall music will reward repeat listens,
without exhausting itself.
Q: So, why exactly should I give a shit?
A: Jeez, who said anything about giving a shit? There's nothing groundbreaking
here. Not even close. What Tram does well is synthesize the soothing,
grief-addled pace of Mazzy Star with the melodic sensibilities of James'
quieter songs, while flexing their own talent for arrangement and low-key
melody. For a four year-old band putting out a sophomore album, Tram displays
a great deal of maturity and grace. So, if you happen to come by a copy of
Frequently Asked Questions, you'll be glad you have it. If not, don't
worry; it won't knock you out of "the know."
Q: What's the deal with the title?
A: So glad you asked. Now I've got a cheap excuse to pull out my Paul Anderson
quote:
"We had no previous experience with computer-based recording software and
were faced with the daunting task of getting to grips with new technology;
hence the ironic album title Frequently Asked Questions (for it seemed
that we were spending our whole lives staring at instruction manuals). The
title also seemed to tie in appropriately with the themes dealt with on the
album."
Q: I noticed trumpet, strings, and oboe. Did Tram play all the instruments?
A: No, smart guy. Actually, a whopping eight additional musicians took time
out of their busy schedules of recording commercial jingles and drinking away
their sorrow to lay tracks down for a pittance. Even PJ Harvey collaborator
John Parish was dragged in to produce "Once I Was"-- a Tim Buckley cover, and
the only track not produced by Anderson and Nick Avery. Adding to the
name-drop miasma, the Buckley track was recorded at the Cocteau Twins'
September Sound studio. Which, in turn, sat on property owned by the Who's
Pete Townshend. The studio was subsequently demolished to make room for
high-end apartments. No, it's true.
Q: So, like, can I rock out to this?
A: Yes, you and the tree sloth both.
-Camilo Arturo Leslie