Album Review: Train by rroo – A Journey Through Dark Soundscapes and Glitchy Beats
If you’re into music that feels like it’s been beamed straight from a dystopian future, then Train by rroo is your ticket. Released in 2016 on Someone Records (out of Ukraine), this album is a wild ride through genres like Electronica and Electronic, with styles ranging from Dark Ambient to Progressive Trance and even some IDM thrown in for good measure. It’s not just an album—it’s an experience. And let me tell you, it sticks with you.
First off, shoutout to Ira Panok for the artwork. It sets the tone perfectly: moody, mysterious, and kinda haunting. But let’s get to the real meat of this thing—the tracks. There are quite a few remixes sprinkled throughout, which keeps things fresh, but two songs really stood out to me.
The first one? “Autistic Dance.” Yeah, I know, the title might raise an eyebrow, but hear me out. This track hits hard with its glitchy rhythms and hypnotic loops. It’s chaotic in the best way possible—like your brain’s trying to process too much info at once, but instead of freaking out, you just vibe with it. The Aphexia Remix version? Absolute gold. It takes the original and cranks up the weirdness factor, adding layers of sound that feel both alien and oddly comforting. Every time I listen to it, I’m reminded why I love experimental electronic music so much—it doesn’t hold your hand; it pushes you into the deep end and says, “Figure it out.”
Another standout is “Light-Emitting Diode,” especially the Frank Baker Remix. This one feels like stepping into a neon-lit city at midnight—bright flashes of synths cutting through the darkness, paired with a driving beat that pulls you forward. It’s got this eerie yet uplifting vibe, like you’re wandering alone but somehow okay with it. Honestly, it’s the kind of track that makes you want to stare out a rain-streaked window while pretending you’re in a cyberpunk movie. No judgment here.
What’s cool about Train is how cohesive it feels despite all the different styles and remixes. You can tell rroo has a vision—even when they hand over tracks to other artists, the essence stays intact. Whether it’s the brooding atmosphere of “Hydref Pt. 3” or the relentless energy of “Try Again Later (Hetan Remix),” there’s a thread connecting everything together. It’s like taking a train ride where each stop shows you something new, but the journey itself never loses its momentum.
Reflecting on this album, I can’t help but think about how underrated Ukrainian electronic music seems to be. Maybe it’s because we don’t pay enough attention, or maybe it’s because gems like Train fly under the radar. Either way, give this album a spin if you’re looking for something that challenges you as much as it entertains you. Oh, and fun fact: listening to this late at night might make you question whether your house is haunted. Not saying it will… but don’t say I didn’t warn ya.
Final verdict? Train isn’t just another electronic album—it’s a trip worth taking. Just don’t forget to bring your imagination along for the ride.
