Shellac makes a welcome yet bittersweet return with their sixth studio album, To All Trains, their first release in a decade, less than three weeks after the untimely passing of co-founder Steve Albini.
Recorded and mixed at Electrical Audio in Chicago over the span of several weekends between 2017 and 2022, To All Trains is a testament to the band's honest approach to recording and their integrity. Comprised of 10 tracks clocking in at a concise 28 minutes, the album builds upon the foundation laid by previous albums like 2014's Dude Incredible and 2019's The End Of Radio. Produced with the kind of urgency and precision Albini was known for, the album doesn’t deviate from the band's signature sound, blending raw energy with intricate musicianship.
Across all sides of the making of the record, the band’s attention to detail is paramount. Vinyl and CD packaging features photos taken by bassist Bob Weston, some with professional equipment and others with a simple telephone camera. But it's the audio quality that truly shines, the band’s commitment to audio honesty evident in every note. In keeping with their ethos of environmental responsibility, the LPs are manufactured using an injection molding process by Green Vinyl Records. This innovative approach utilizes 100% recyclable PET, drastically reducing CO2 emissions compared to conventional vinyl presses. The result is a product that not only sounds great but also minimizes its impact on the planet.
Formed in Chicago in 1992, Shellac is the brainchild of guitarist Steve Albini and drummer Todd Trainer, with bassist Bob Weston joining shortly after. Drawing on their backgrounds as recording engineers, the band eschews modern recording techniques in favor of a stripped-down, analog sound characterized by sparse arrangements and minimal overdubbing. With To All Trains, Shellac reaffirms their status as pioneers of the underground music scene, delivering an album that is as uncompromising as it is exhilarating.