www.tylorandthetrainrobbers.com
Tylor and the Train Robbers are an alt-country band operating out of Boise Idaho and NON-TYPICAL FIND is their third album. The previous record from 2019 BEST OF THE WORST KIND was met with widespread praise but only skirted across my horizon, and like so many other decent releases unable to penetrate a saturated supply line. This time a chink of light was offered and the eleven track offering grasped the opportunity to make an impact.
A little check into the background of the new album reveals a link up with Cody Braun of Reckless Kelly. Now that is one top band which has been on my horizon for years. Braun takes the production reins on this album and a further involvement sees the band join Reckless Kelly on some US dates later in the year.
Putting the titbits aside, there are many redeeming features that hoists this album into the realm of generating a few kind words and heeding a recommendation. First up is the track 'Jenny Lynn' which band leader Tylor Ketchum wrote for his wife and fellow 'train robber' Jennifer Pisano Ketchum. There is a strong case for this being the standout track and its Irish feel adds to the mix. It is followed by the album's most fascinating song. Title track 'Non Typical Find' is an epic story song, apparently true, which twists and turns to the classic literary ending.
Other redeeming features are a folky feel throughout, starting with opening track 'Equation of Life!', which also features pedal steel. Always a winner in my book whether you deem the overall style country, alt or contemporary roots. The album does rock more in some places than others notably the homespun 'This Town'. Meanwhile for a touch of bluegrass check out 'Lemonade' coupled with some strong perceptive writing that features throughout. 'Staring Down the North' is the accessible track on the socials and reflects a more upbeat side to the Tylor and the Train Robbers sound. Worth checking out to get a feel to what this band is about.
As the album glides towards its conclusion after a rewarding fifty-plus minutes, we are treated to the gently rolling vibes of 'These Days', a little more oomph in 'Back The Other Day' and the positivity shining through in the finale number 'Silver Line'. The latter being yet another glowing example of Ketchum writing a very attractive song that resonates strongly in its structure and appeal.
Time will tell whether the touring sparsity of 20-21 leads to a golden age of recorded content. Popular opinion and pockets of artist anecdote indicated that inspiration comes from being out and about rather than in some element of confinement. Where Tylor and the Train Robbers ultimately drew their influence and artistic drive from is somewhat secondary to the conclusive verdict that NON TYPICAL FIND hits its audience with a degree prevalent accomplishment to make a statement that good things do come from adversity.