New York-based artist Roy Blair has just released his highly anticipated sophomore album, “Chasing Moving Trains,” via Warner Records. This talented singer and multi-instrumentalist has transformed the bitterness of difficult moments into a beautiful album that tells a story of resilience.
“Chasing Moving Trains” is the culmination of Roy Blair’s journey of self-discovery, taking him from Los Angeles to New York City and Tokyo. His quest for fulfillment in his mid-20s, along with the need for solace after a heartbreak, served as the driving force behind his travels and musical explorations.
“I think this will be the blueprint for the rest of my career from here on out. It might be the first time I’ve really captured what I think.” — Roy Blair
The album opens with the gentle guitars of “Karaoke,” a refreshing and calming track that invites the listener to enjoy the moment. Its sound is calm and dreamy, but it is gradually expanded by a piano that exudes blues, playful synths, and the grit of distorted guitars.
“Amberwood” arrives as a series of flashbacks. The heartfelt lyrics reflect the experience of returning to a familiar place, only to realize that everything, including that special person, has disappeared. The melancholic strains of the violin are suddenly interrupted by a mix of house and hip-hop, as Roy raps about the pain and the anger of not being able to heal from a broken heart.
The journey continues in “Belmont.” As soon as it begins, we’re immersed in a vast soundscape made of electric guitars, evoking the essence of shoegaze. The song blends pop arrangements with dreamy vibes, layered over hip-hop beats. Through its lyrics, it drives us through the difficulties of a relationship, capturing the inner conflict between staying or leaving.
Through the melancholic sweetness of R&B “Hummingbird” reflects on how things have changed in a relationship that once seemed perfect. Roy expresses sadness over how routine and challenges have taken their toll, and although loyalty and appreciation still exist, it feels as though they are miles apart.
Next is “Clear,” and despite being one of the shortest tracks, it stands out as one of the most memorable. The song captures the thoughts that plague Roy’s mind during sleepless nights, where emotional turmoil transforms the atmosphere into a cold, isolating space. However, the minimalistic synth beat that drives the first half of the song gradually evolves into a starry alt-pop dance rhythm, allowing Roy’s falsetto to truly shine.
In the heart of the album lies “Panavision,” this single marked the end of Roy’s five-year hiatus from music. In this track, he shares his concerns and frustrations as an artist, focusing on the not-so-bright side of gaining sudden fame and how exhausting it can be emotionally. The saxophone, layered over a fast-paced tempo, conveys the frenetic rush of an artist’s schedule while underscoring the deep emotions that often go unaddressed amidst the chaos.
In “Plum,” Roy reveals his vulnerability like never before. This track does not have the sudden beat changes and the experimental layering of instruments typical in his other songs. Instead, he sings over a muffled bass line, reflecting on the repetitive thoughts that follow a heartbreak. Accepting it’s time to move forward while grappling with feelings of anger and frustration isn’t easy. Having experienced this firsthand, Roy has crafted a piercing song that encapsulates the entirety of that emotional journey.
We get to the title track to phase frustration in the most contemplative way possible. The acoustic guitar returns in the intro, serving as a foundation for verses that unfold in spoken word before transitioning into rap. Roy’s voice is warm and intimate, seamlessly blending high-pitched vocals as he reflects on how difficult it is to accept there is nothing to do but just let go. Throughout “Chasing Moving Trains,” delicate orchestral instruments merge with melancholic synths, transporting listeners to moments that once felt the happiest but now reside only in our memories.
“Rain” picks up where “Chasing Moving Trains” left off, but this time with a fresh perspective. Opening with the soothing sound of rain, Roy reflects on the lessons he’s learned from these experiences. Rather than placing blame, he focuses on the importance of moving forward. While he acknowledges that it’s not yet time to laugh or embrace love again, he approaches what happened with a new outlook, allowing the cleansing power of rain to wash over him and inspire renewal.
“Strawberry” has a playful and cheerful sound, but its message runs deeper than it seems. The song explores the emotions of moving on after a breakup at a different pace than the other person. The mix between synths and arcade-like elements plays with Roy’s voice, processed vocals, and rap verses that hit with a machine-gun-like precision.
To conclude the emotional journey of “Chasing Moving Trains,” we have “Garden.” This nine-minute track takes listeners on a roller coaster before reaching its final destination. The synth intro opens the door to an ethereal world of reflection, where upbeat rhythms mix with a mural of electric guitars. In this track, Roy looks back one last time and lets his emotions run free, demonstrating that he is ready to reconcile with his reality.
“Chasing Moving Trains” is a trip through Roy Blair’s emotions and sensibilities, showcasing his remarkable talent for transforming pain into a beautiful album. It encapsulates a universal experience: the desire to move on while struggling to let go when the heart still aches. Sonically, the album offers a collage of sounds that transmit the most vulnerable feelings with honesty. “Chasing Moving Trains” reflects the growth Roy Blair has undergone, making the wait for this highly anticipated release truly worthwhile.
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