Every time I see Train Company, the end result is me sweaty, happy, and dancing my ass off. Friday night at Subterranean was no exception. Train Company shared the bill with Great Life, Shiloh, and Penthouse Sweets. It’s difficult to limit TC to a single genre because they dominate many, but let’s go with indie-blues-pop-rock.
I’ve known these guys since the beginning and, in my opinion, they are one of the hardest working indie bands in Chicago right now. They released their second full-length album “The Remains of an Effort,” with an August 2012 CD release show at the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. The epic performance brought the album to life with a string section, horn section and vocal trio.
Train Company continues to impress me with their relentless energy, impeccable musicianship and plain-old rock and roll realness that is harder to find than you’d believe. The buzz that radiates off of the band permeates the audience, grabbing the attention of even the barflies in the back of the room. When the set winds down, the crowd literally begs for more. And when lead vocalist/guitarist, John Zozzaro, tells the folks on the floor to put on their “groovin’ shoes,” not many can resist. Saxophonist Mark Alletag tears up song after song with sick melodic lines and brings a palpable joy for the music to the stage you just don’t see everyday. The tight, solid rhythm section that is Mike Dewitte (bass) and Rob Lejman (drums) allows each song to breathe, but with precision and grace. Then there is Samuel Wyatt on keyboard and keytar. Yup, keytar. Whenever Sam gets a chance to solo, the madness is unleashed. And when he brings the keytar out, the crowd cheers for the greatness they know is coming. John’s velvety, classic voice brings it all together, drawing you in and hitting all the notes in just the right spot. There are a lot of the flash-in-the-pan bands floating around the scene right now, but you can be sure that Train Company isn’t going anywhere but up.
If you want in on this awesomeness, I strongly suggest you go download their hit single, “City Down By The Shoreline,” for free. It’s the summer jam that will make everything better, I promise. And if you’re down south, you’re in luck. The guys are heading to North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee next week for a four-day tour, so check out the touring schedule— and support!