California’s capital city has found its sudsy sound in Light Rail, the premier five-piece rock ensemble with deep country undertones. Named after Sacramento’s metro line, Light Rail takes listeners on emotional transit with thoughtful lyrics penned by singer/songwriter Tyler Williams, whose onstage presence will have everyone saying, “Pour me another.” Texas-swing style fiddling by Shane Kalbach steeps Light Rail’s repertoire deeply in Americana, while lead guitarist Chris Banuelos, bassist Brian Moran and drummer Damien Ware impart their rock roots. Light Rail is simply a bartender’s reflection on survival as told by six strings and lifelong friends.
-Rory Williams,
San Francisco–based journalist
“Warm and cozy.” That’s how Light Rail singer and guitarist Tyler Williams wants to make you feel. And along with life-long friends and bandmates Shane Kalbach (violin), Chris Banuelos (guitar, vocals), Brian Moran (bass guitar, vocals) and Damien Ware (drums), his aim is true. The five-piece gathers wool with a sound all its own, resulting in a 50/50 blend of cotton and country that ends in nothing other than reverie for the unwitting listener. Those droopy eyes and big ol’ goofy smiles ain’t from the liquor (OK, maybe a little); it’s the true-to-form fiddling with winsome melodies that are easily snuggled up to. Embroidered onto the blanket of Americana are threads of Technicolor range—alt rock, pop, singer/songwriter, smooth jazz, blues, surf, punk, folk. Perhaps that’s why the ensemble chose Dream in Audio as the title of their recently released CD. Sleep tight, and pleasant dreams.
-Kimberly Brown,
Sacramento News & Review
Northern California based Light Rail could be mistaken for Texas Troubadours with its winsome melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a true Texas spirit. The music walks right up to you, says howdy, and gives you a big hug. The tunes simultaneously make you happy, sad, and thoughtful and the deliveries are welcomed as unhurried ballads. The mesmerizing fiddle playing of Shane Kalbach is more vibrant than a summer’s dream. His easy on the ear, earthy string sounds highlight the realistic songs about ordinary people living ordinary lives but in a sacred manner. Like the lifelong friends that make up Light Rail, the music makes you a believer that lives are meant to interconnect with others, that lasting impressions are made and that for moments in time, those lives talk and walk in unison……… Though neither is each other’s destination, the musical impact often is.
-Jean Perdicaris Spoor
Austin, Texas-based journalist
