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There are many bands that exist on the periphery of my perception. Maybe I've read reviews that suggest I would like them. Or perhaps I've heard a song or two that has marked them out as worthy of further investigation. But there are only so many hours in the day and pounds in the bank so sometimes these bands don't get the attention they deserve. iLiKETRAiNS have just made their way to the top of this rather long list, on the basis of the quality of this single.
The Salem Witch-trials inspired "We Go Hunting" starts with the killer lyric: 'I curse the day I ever came to this God-forsaken town..." There's a hint of the Biblical-fervour of Nick Cave mixed with the deep-voiced intensity of Strangelove. The song narrates a battle with demons; both literal and metaphorical. Just when the weight of the darkness threatens to overwhelm you there's a chink of light, during an unconventional guitar solo. Then the heaviness returns. This song is like being buried under a hundred layers of earth. In a good way. Given its title it's ironic that "More Weight" is actually a lighter listen than "We Go Hunting", at least on a superficial level. There's a shimmering guitar which complements an American Music Club-style of sound. Thematically this song continues the story of the Salem Witch trials. The title refers to the last words of a man who was arrested on suspicion of being a Wizard. He was slowly crushed to death under a pile of rocks. There aren't many bands as educational as iLiKETRAiNS. Thankfully the band have the ability to invigorate the soul as well as stimulate the intellect. How much you want to investigate the historical inspiration for these songs is up to the individual listener. The tracks are strong enough to comprehend without a good grounding in past events. iLiKETRAiNS illustrate how history repeats itself, and how the human race fails to learn from its mistakes. It would be churlish not to heed their warnings. |
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