Diesel Train Sirens Trains Album Review: The Unexpected Charm of No Music
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—this isn’t your typical album. Diesel Train Sirens Trains by (literally) No Artist is a wild ride into the world of sound effects from the UK, courtesy of BBC Sound Effects Centre. It’s not “music” in the traditional sense, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. In fact, it’s oddly fascinating. If you’ve ever found yourself staring out a train window, zoning out to the rhythm of clanging bells and distant sirens, this might just be your jam.
The album dives deep into the raw sounds of trains, crossings, and all the chaos around them. Two tracks really stuck with me: "Goods Yard Warning Klaxon" and "Bell; Train Passes After 1’."
First up, "Goods Yard Warning Klaxon." Man, this track hits different. It’s basically just the eerie wail of a klaxon alarm echoing through what I imagine is some foggy industrial yard. But here’s the thing—it’s hypnotic. You can almost picture workers hustling, machinery grinding, and trains rumbling in the background. It feels like stepping into a scene from an old British noir film. I swear, I’ve caught myself replaying it while daydreaming about writing moody detective novels or something.
Then there’s "Bell; Train Passes After 1’." This one sneaks up on you. For the first minute, it’s just a bell ringing steadily. You start thinking, “Is this it? Am I being punked?” But then BAM—the train roars past, loud enough to make you jump if you’re not ready for it. There’s something oddly satisfying about how predictable yet dramatic it is. Like, yeah, we know the train’s coming, but hearing it thunder by still gives you chills. It’s like waiting for a storm to break—it’s simple, sure, but effective.
What makes this album so cool is its ability to transport you without trying too hard. These aren’t crafted melodies or emotional lyrics; they’re slices of life captured in sound. Listening to it feels like eavesdropping on moments that would otherwise go unnoticed. And honestly, who knew a lorry crossing could feel cinematic?
So, here’s the kicker: this album made me realize how much beauty there is in everyday noise. Sure, it’s niche as heck, but maybe that’s the point. Life doesn’t always need a beat drop or a chorus to be memorable. Sometimes, it’s just a bell, a siren, and a train passing by. Who’d have thought?
Now excuse me while I try to figure out how to use these tracks as my new ringtone…
