Early in "Dakota," NYC's Steel Train acknowledge that "lightning strikes and buildings fall," but refuse to be dragged into a pit of whining, wallowing or melodrama. Instead, the band stares straight at suffering and counters cold horror with an audible confidence in perseverance. The churning distortion that gurgles and growls beneath the surface is initially ominous but quickly offset when vibrant acoustic guitars and jangling tambourine begin to ride an unadorned piano progression.

The lead is cordial, but it's the angelic harmonies that truly prevail over tales of powder, pills and an untimely demise. Not with naivety so much as faith, affirmations triumph throughout. The promises may be meant for Dakota, but comforting lines like "These awful things burn away with the sun," remind everyone the difference a day makes. Steel Train's sophomore album, Trampoline, hits store shelves Oct. 16 on the Drive-Thru label. 

Now Hear This
Steel Train - "Dakota"

On the Web:
Steel Train at MySpace

Talk: Did "Dakota" 'burn away' your sorrows in time to bounce with Trampoline?

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