by Kris Handel
To All Trains is the sixth, and since the unfortunate premature passing of the legendary Steve Albini, last album from Shellac, continuing their persistent chugging sonic assault of aggravation, cutting wit, and intelligence in fine fashion. The band streamline Albini's acerbic way with words along with seemingly simple yet absolutely devastating musicianship and guile that combines The Fall-like ire with unyielding lyrical observations. Albini, along with Bob Weston (bass) and Todd Trainer (drums) combine for a forceful and incessantly pounding musical beast that refuses to relent, which is readily apparent in this late stage collection of songs. The record finds Shellac doing away with the longer motorik grooves that were widely spread across their discography in favor of tightening up, leading to direct and precise strikes full of vengeance and bile.
One of the most immediate tracks, and a highlight of Shellac's output, is the simple yet hilarious punk romp of "Scabby the Rat," a song that tells the tale of a twelve foot tall potato cooking and an exceedingly virile rodent. Albini charges and pummels through chunking surf-like chords and pounding drums while his vocals chant and smolder through the brief yet entertaining exploits of the titular subject. "Tattoos" is propelled by rumbling bass and a surprisingly nimble and repeating riff as the pointed interjections pierce through the roiling intensity. Albini manages to keep his lyrics acerbically biting while instilling a sense of humor and intelligence that are hallmarks of his acid tongue and delightful ethos.
"Scrappers" carries a bit of a straight ahead early 50's rockabilly feel with an added ferocious menace as vocals sneer and spit over rampaging drum fills. Albini declares "we’ll be pirates" throughout as guitars slide in between the insistently pounding rhythm section, echoing the bellowing declarations. The record signs off in sadly appropriate fashion with "I Don't Fear Hell," proclaiming "If there's a heaven/I hope they're having fun/Cuz if there's a hell/I'm gonna know everyone," as the instruments resolutely chug below him. The band grind through a relatively slow yet engrossing sludge as guitar shards interject between lively bass lines and Trainer's slow kick drum thuddings, leading to a finale of untuned guitar exclamations.
This record is a befitting end to a larger than life character in the music world, both as a performer and engineer/producer, showing that his music will remain forceful and something to be reckoned with for a long time to come. Shellac stick to the formula Albini had perfected through the past three decades, but highlight their ability to tighten and condense their raging musical approach while remaining a beast of a band. To All Trains stands as a shining example of the talent and unflinching approach to music that was forged through experience and countless trials. Shellac have left the audience with a ferocious, pummeling record full of strength and will from a voice that has touched the music universe in some of the most impactful ways.