Wire Train - Between Two Worlds

While Between Two Words doesn't have the consistent hooks of Wire Train's first album, In a Chamber, it contains three of the group's best tracks. Less ambiguous and frenetic than In a Chamber, Between Two Words is nevertheless more of the same; shimmering guitars, vigorous drums, and English-styled vocals. The songs just aren't as catchy except for a trio of pop gems: "Skills of Summer," "Last Perfect Thing," and "God on Our Side." The swirling riffs of "Skills of Summer" resemble the Church's psychedelic jams so much that one wonders which band influenced the other; after all, they debuted almost simultaneously. "Skills of Summer" could easily be placed on the Church's Remote Luxury or Heyday LPs, and only dog ears would notice the difference. The rocking "Last Perfect Thing" finds Wire Train leaning closer toward the more aggressive feel of 1987's Ten Women. "God on Our Side" is actually a Bob Dylan cover, and Wire Train courageously updates it with a new wave sheen; coated with jangling, glimmering guitars, it sounds like, well, Wire Train.

Hello, Hello

Following on the back of …In A Chamber, I thought I would share Wire Train’s 12” remixes of Chamber Of Hellos as a Christmas Bonus. Wire Train achieved its style with a full-blooded guitar attack, echoey vocals and strong, rushed drumming. In a Chamber has wonderful, memorable tracks like "Chamber of Hellos" and "I'll Do You"; lesser creations at least sound just as good. 

In A Chamber Of Hellos

The catchiest song on Wire Train's In a Chamber is also the LP's most misleading number. The bouncy "Chamber of Hellos," with its chiming guitars, jumpy percussion, dreamy vocals, and rollicking chorus, is actually about a homicide. Nevertheless, it's an addictive toe-tapper, a track that hasn't lost its aura of mystery more than a decade later. Like Translator, Wire Train were in awe of both '60s psychedelic rock and late-'70s new wave; their music reflected the otherworldly textures of the former and the frantic energy of the latter. The giddy "I'll Do You" is driven by throbbing basslines while the hypnotic "Everything's Turning Up Down Again" and the moody "Like" coast on atmospheric riffs reminiscent of the Church. On first listen, In a Chamber might seem light and superficial; however, the album can grow on just about anybody patient enough to let the musical and lyrical hooks peek through the enigmatic song writing. "Chamber of Hellos" is so catchy that it's tempting to only listen to that track and ignore the rest of the LP. The shimmering guitars of "She's on Fire" and the Joy Division drone of "I Gotta Go" are more reasons to stick around after Wire Train have delivered their hellos.