Pleasantly retro, The ‘A’ Train’s music recalls the greats of sunny sixties pop and it sounds like they have spent a lot of time listening to old vinyls of The Beatles and The Kinks. The result – some amiable, lazy Sunday afternoon pop.
‘Black and White Memories’ is an upbeat melodic single which catchy hooks and psychedelic inspired electric guitar which would be at home on any gentle 70s sitcom.
The following B-sides – ‘Where it Counts’, ‘Chimes of Midnight’ and ‘Place of No One’ – are wistful, simple and, unfortunately, potentially forgettable. There is nothing offensive about them, the McKean brothers’ vocals are charming and the acoustic strummings, piano and tambourine accompaniment tinged with electric guitar equate to a gentle mix of folk, pop and country.
Perhaps what the group were aiming for but it seems to lack direction and backbone, something hopefully made up for in a live performance.