Tramhaus’ debut album, ‘The First Exit’, is a remarkable testament to the band’s talent and vision, a snapshot of Rotterdam’s vibrant music scene, and a record that demands attention.
With just over thirty minutes of relentless energy and raw emotion, Tramhaus pays homage to the brevity and intensity of classic punk records while carving out their own unique space in the Dutch music landscape. This album is not just a debut; it’s a statement of intent, a loud declaration that Tramhaus are here to stay and a force to be reckoned with.
From the opening moments of ‘The Cause’, it’s clear that Tramhaus are a band deeply rooted in the urgency and defiance that has always characterised the best punk rock. The track begins with a frenetic drum fill reminiscent of Joy Division’s ‘Disorder’, but quickly veers into territory that is entirely their own. The guitars, played with machine-like precision, create an atmosphere of controlled chaos, while Lukas Jansen’s vocals cut through with a mix of desperation and defiance. This is music that refuses to be ignored, and it’s impossible not to be drawn into its orbit.
Lyrically, ‘The First Exit’ is a deeply personal album, with Jansen’s experience coming out as a gay man providing the thread that knits the album together. There is a raw honesty in his delivery, a sense that he is baring his soul with every word in a way that is both vulnerable and powerful.. Tracks like ‘Once Again’ and ‘Beech’ carry a palpable melancholy, with lyrics that explore identity, isolation, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels hostile.
Despite the album’s brevity, Tramhaus manages to pack in a wealth of ideas and emotions. Each track feels like a different chapter in a larger story, one that is still unfolding. The band’s ability to create such a cohesive and compelling narrative within such a short runtime is a testament to their skill as songwriters and musicians. The influence of bands like Pixies, Joy Division, and Nirvana is evident, but Tramhaus never feels derivative. Instead, they have taken these influences and woven them into a sound that is distinctly their own.
Recorded at Katzwijm Studios, an old converted bulb shed in the southern Netherlands, the album captures the energy and spontaneity of the band’s live performances. A true musical highlight for those that have been lucky enough to see their show. The studio’s intimate setting allowed Tramhaus to create a record that feels both polished and raw, maintaining the essence of what makes them such an infectious band.
Perhaps what is most exciting about ‘The First Exit’ though, is what it represents for the future of Dutch guitar music. Tramhaus are part of a new wave of bands that are breathing life into a scene that has often been overshadowed by its counterparts in the UK and the US. With this debut, Tramhaus have shown that they have the potential to be at the forefront of this movement, leading the charge with their blend of punk energy, emotional depth, and sonic innovation.
In many ways, the record feels like the beginning of something much larger. It’s an album that opens doors, both for the band and for the listener. For Tramhaus, it’s a platform from which to leap into the unknown, to explore new sounds and ideas, and to continue pushing the boundaries of what guitar music can be. For the listener, it’s an invitation to join them on this journey, to dive into a world that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
‘The First Exit’ is released on Friday 20th September 2024. Pre order here.
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