Album Review

Old School Freight Train
Not Like The Others

Brian, Nick, Laurie, and I were listening to the advance copy of the first six songs of Old School Freight Train’s as of yet unfinished new album, in the office before we started our coverage of their show at Steel City, and trying to pin down their sound. We agreed there was a definite Blue Grass influence, and that the members of the group are trying to fuse it with various other sources of music. But what we couldn’t reach a consensus on what these various influences.
Reviewing further, I think this is caused by the fact that OSFT changes these influences throughout the album. I had a chance to sit down and talk with the band (check podcast for more info) and we discussed how they are on a journey to discover what that sound is going to be. They talked about how their sound is highly influenced by Dave Grisman who they have extensively worked with in the past.
The foundation of their music that runs through out all the different sounds and influences is their musicianship. As a unit they are a group of consummate musicians who fuse their different styles a cohesive sound that makes the listener wonder what the next track holds in store.
When released I recommend anyone who appreciates a good mandolin part in jam/blue grass/jazz/pop/rock band to check out the new release from Old School Freight Train.