Tigers on Trains – Foundry

Tigers on Trains are a two-piece folk duo out of Long Island, New York. Formed in 2004, by Christian Van Deurs and Mason Maggio, they have three releases under their belt, including Foundry, their newest album released in July. Their sound has a modern day Simon and Garfunkel meets The Shins feel. Foundry features 12 songs; each highlighting their gentle easy harmonies, and deep contemplative lyrics.

There is no flame
There is no torch
But what can be lit and destroyed
And reborn

So what is flesh?
What is skin,
But that which you’re imprisoned in?

There is no prize,
No purse of gold
But what will be gambled away when you’re old.

( Lyrics taken from “There Is No Prize”)

With lyrics so poetic and metaphorical, it will leave the listener wondering what they were thinking when they wrote each song.  An important aspect of folk music is the ability to convey memories and stories in a beautiful manner. Not always being straightforward and leaving a mystery is helpful too. Clearly, Tigers on Trains is right on par lyrically with the other great folk musicians that came before them. However, the  lyrics are just one of the many appealing aspects that keep the listener invested in the music.

To bring a fullness to their sound, Tigers on Trains also features supporting musicians playing violins, percussion and trumpet and backing vocals. The addition of these instruments helps to cement their acoustic/folk sound and really just enhances their music; like icing on a cake (after checking out some live videos of their acoustic performances one can also see their songs are strong enough with just acoustic guitars as well).

From the opening track, “In the Atlas Cedars” to the beautifully arranged closing song, “Sawmill,” Foundry is a wonderful album that shows off this duo’s talent as singers and songwriters to a T.  Each song is clean, airy and catchy in its own right.

Foundry is the type of album to inspire creativity, a sense of wonderment and will leave you wanting more. I highly recommend checking these guys out; the sooner the better!!

Rating: 5/5 Stars!

Album Name: Foundry
Date Released: July, 2012
Genre(s): Folk
Location: Long Island, NY
Band Members: Christian Van Deurs and Mason Maggio
Supporting Musicians for Foundry include: Billy Duprey: Vocals/Percussion, Gregg Andrew Dellarocca: Vocals, Stephanie Tolino: Vocals, Natalie Kress: Violin, Kerri Latten: Violin, Peter Rossi: Trumpet
Website: http://tigersontrains.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tigersontrains
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tigersontrains
Bandcamp: http://tigersontrains.bandcamp.com/

About Kerriann Curtis

I need to be where the music is, it's as simple as that.

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