We introduced readers to The Rails back in June, and now the London husband/wife duo comprising Kami Thompson and James Walbourne have released their new album, ‘Other People’ yesterday, September 1.
The Rails have an impressive music history – and if their sound is somehow familiar, it’s probably because James has worked with The Pretenders, The Pogues, and Ray Davies, while Kami is the daughter of folk singers Richard and Linda Thompson.
‘Other People’ is The Rails’ tribute to their UK folk heritage, while at the same time leaving their own distinctive mark. Recorded in Nashville and produced by Ray Kennedy, the pair were joined in the studio by a team of brilliant US session musicians, including bass player Jim Boquist, Cody Dickinson on drums, and Eric Heywood playing pedal steel.
Going from folk to Americana to folk again, the highlight of the 12 track album is probably the title track, ‘Other People’, with its gorgeous harmonies, and message of being aware of others – “there are Other People in this world not just you” – in today’s me-centric society of social media and “finding oneself” it’s a message that’s often forgotten but desperately needed.
Other favourites are the Celtic-style folk ballads, such as ‘The Cally’, which could very easily have found its way onto a Pogues album, and ‘Leaving This Land’.
Kami and James’ voices are a beautiful match and their harmonies combine in such a way as to be almost inseparable. This is particularly evident on ‘Dark Times’, which also features a great 60s style organ sound (a la The Doors’ ‘Light My Fire’, to our ears) about halfway through the track, as well as some really feisty guitarwork.
‘Brick And Mortar’ is worthy of note as a protest song, bemoaning the loss of old London, particularly Soho, Denmark Street, St Giles, and Camden, due to the building of Crossrail – traditionally areas where live music thrived.
‘Other People’ is available to download and stream here. Find out more about The Rails from their official website, Twitter, Facebook, Soundcloud, Google Plus, and YouTube. The Rails will be touring the album at the following dates and locations:
September
Mon 11th GLASGOW, King Tuts
Tues 12th  LEICESTER, Musician
Tue 13th HULL, The Adelphi
Thurs 14th HEBDEN BRIDGE, Trades Club
Fri 15th MANCHESTER, Deaf Institute
Mon 18th CAMBRIDGE, Junction 2
Tues 19th NORWICH, Arts
Wed 20th LONDON, Borderline
Thurs 21st NEWBURY, Arlington ArtsÂ
Immediately following these dates, The Rails set out on a second UK tour taking in 14 major cities between September 30th and October 18th as main support to The Pretenders.
