OKC-based punk band Traindodge are back with their newest release The Alley Parade, an album nearly seven years in the making. Formed in 1996, Traindodge have played well over 600 shows across 38 states and two continents, becoming a household staple for every diehard heavy music fan.
Coming in at just under 45 minutes, The Alley Parade is a formidable return for the group with its 10 tracks—more often than not all over four minutes long. The record opens with “Cheap Charisma.” From the get go, the record has a very ’90’s feel to it, while at the same time combining elements found in today’s hardcore music, giving it a timeless air. Largely instrumental, “Face Thieves” is a moody song complete with bombastic drums, reverberating bass, and venomous lyrics. There’s even a moment that the band channels the Beastie Boys with a shouted call and response.
“The New Low” speaks to the experience of seeing what you want to see in someone, rather than who they really are. Discordant and bass heavy, the music fades to a single, lone guitar before the drums crash into the bridge, helping bring this deafening song to a close. “Rare Talks” takes listeners on a musical journey, lasting a little over six minutes in length.
In “Living Proof,” everything moves like a well-oiled machine—much like the rest of the record. The dissonant and tension-filled opening finds its companion in the guitar-centric outro, bringing the song full-circle by the end. With “Neverpresent,” Traindodge takes a slight—not un-welcome—departure from their signature style, featuring an almost rockabilly lilt to the guitars.
A reverberating static noise sets the mood in “The Lonely Halt,” all before the drums crash down, ushering in the guitars as they play monster chords. This completely instrumental song spotlights drummer Rob Smith’s impressive skills, most notably his clean fills that still drive the song forward. As this cymbal-heavy song progresses, the drums once more begin a mounting attack before the guitars blast back in, making this the most aggressive song on the record—and also the standout.
“We’ve been given our final turn,” Jason Smith sings on “Futures,” a surprisingly keyboard prominent track that flows into “Narrow Souls,” the album closer. Short and to the point—less than two minutes in length—“Narrow Souls” sounds cautiously optimistic in spite of the darkness that rears its head throughout the record. Though no words are sung, the instrumental record ender has an emotional depth to it, making it a beautifully fitting end to The Alley Parade.
Listening to The Alley Parade—and their other records, of course—it’s hard to see how Traindodge have remained so under the radar. Perhaps the only explanation is that the band have remained true to their own musical style despite the ever-shifting status quo of the scene today; it’s a testament to their dedication of their craft.
You can follow the band on Instagram and check out their new record bandcamp.
