Drawing us in with the sound of a passing train, expanding with an alternative Americana energy, Ken Woods and The Old Blue Gang open Ride the Rails with situational prose, poetic prowess and a captivating narrative with a cinematic allure.
The opus evolves with a high octane vibe, akin to a rolling train, which feels apt, masterfully created and Ken’s timbre is charismatic, laced with intellectually stimulating message as he shares his wisdom and a historical happening through the tale.
We learn that through the metaphorical prose, the creators are actually bringing to life the events of September 24th 1893, when a gang of residents and KKK members led the forcible expulsion of the entire Chinese community in La Grande, Oregon. We deeply appreciate how Ken and his cohorts are bringing to life their art as activism to raise awareness on the brutalities of history past.
Ride the Rails features somewhat epic guitar performances, straight out of the Wild West, and ready for a synch deal fitting for an upcoming Westworld sequel. The double guitar finale of the track is literally out of this world, full of drama, and in line with the concept of the track which closes with the train once again, bringing us full circle, which is perhaps a zeitgeist commentary on the re-emergence of political and cultural turmoil today.
Ride the Rails serves as a cut from the creators’ forthcoming concept album Silent Spike. The album is designed to recount the story of the Chinese workers who built the Transcontinental Railways in the American West and the hardships they faced, including migration, violence and exclusion, ending with a peaceful tribute to their legacy. Musically, it is set to be a fusion of American roots styles like blues, rock, and folk with improvisation, reclaiming cowboy and western culture through a name that challenges historical injustice.
Naturally, we have added Ride the Rails to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Sundown Town, and anticipate the release of Silent Spike!