On their debut album ‘Escape to Ourworld’, Fast Trains craft a deeply immersive alt-pop offering, weaving together themes of longing, introspection, and the universal need to break free. The album marks five years since the project’s inception, and this 10-track collection showcases Tom Wells’ singular vision, blending intricate storytelling with atmospheric production.
The album explores different dimensions of escape, with each track introducing characters searching for their own form of release. From the expansive, sunlit longing of ‘Where the Ocean Greets the Sun’ to the weighty emotional pull of ‘Holly Takes Me Home Again’, Fast Trains move effortlessly between grand, cinematic soundscapes and intimate, introspective moments. Tracks like ‘For a Second of Your Smile’ touch on the fleeting nature of time, while ‘This Roundabout’ captures the suffocating cycle of anxiety, giving the record a touchingly personal resonance.
With mixes by Mikko Gordon (known for his work with IDLES and The Smile) and a collaboration with Olly Knights of Turin Brakes on ‘The Minstrels Gallery’, the album carries a level of musical sophistication that elevates its complex narratives. Wells’ songwriting is sharp, evocative, and rich with emotion, reinforcing Fast Trains’ reputation as one of the most compelling independent projects to emerge in recent years.
Following standout performances at the Isle of Wight Festival and Victorious Festival, Fast Trains will embark on an extensive tour throughout 2025 in support of ‘Escape to Ourworld’. This record is an invitation to step outside of reality, if only for a little while.
