Train Arrives at the Royal Oak Music Theatre Review - Anything But Ordinary

A look inside a crowded concert hall, in essence, is a look inside a band itself. What causes a particular group of people to mutually gather together to pay tribute to their music of choice? Could it be the artist, the music itself, or is it simply an opportunity to escape from an often routine existence with little occasion to celebrate other than that of cheering on a favourite reality TV dance show contestant? The “I know it’s only rock & roll, but I like it” adage, may work for some, but for others, they are present to truly experience and believe in something.

Glancing out across the floor of the Royal Oak Music Theatre, it was clear to see that fans of Grammy Award-winning band Train were in fact there for the music. The 2000-seater venue did not lend itself to supporting the often distracting glitter and spectacle of what certain arena bands consider a ‘musical’ experience. Instead, it gave true song writing a stage to perform. With the crowd a mixture of both Generation X and Y, it was interesting to see how Train’s music spoke to the two groups collectively, yet separately.

With opener Michigan’s own Uncle Kracker delivering his unique style of radio-friendly hits including “Follow Me”, “Smile” and “Drift Away”, the crowd appeared warmed up and in fine tune to sing along with headliner and chart-topping act Train. Founding members Pat Monahan (vocals), Jimmy Stafford (guitar) and Scott Underwood (drums) came well-equipped with a stunning set list spanning their highly successful 15-year music career, but with a few surprises. With their latest cd “Save Me San Francisco” new to fans, they appropriately opened with “If It’s Love”.

Immediately noticeable was singer Monahan’s vocal range as well as his ability to use the stage to capture fans. With both voice and body expressing the music, he often mimicked his rap-style lyrics which in and of itself grabbed your attention. In a Jagger-like flair, he effortlessly drew the crowd in, and at one point during “She’s On Fire”, he politely coaxed several young ladies from the audience to ‘shake their booty’ and sing along to its familiar chorus.

Again it was an evening to celebrate great song writing. From the blockbuster “Calling All Angels”, to Spiderman soundtrack “Ordinary”, to Grammy-winner “Drops Of Jupiter”, this Train was running on all engines. Guitarist Stafford melodiously added to the brilliance of each song by incorporating beautifully penned guitar lines. Seemingly humbled by the packed Tuesday-night crowd, his presence alongside Monahan generated a Plant/Page-like combination of  charismatic front man vs. guitarist with mystique. Coincidentally, with Monahan having performed in a Led Zeppelin tribute band early in his career, he seemed unthreatened pounding out the classic “Going To California” in the intimate setting of Stafford on acoustic guitar and Underwood atop a Cajon drum.

Again, proving the strength of his vocal ability, Monahan, who still suffered from a cold, not only managed to competently finish the evening, but also successfully belted out the band’s hit ballad “When I Look To The Sky” without microphone in hand. Pushing his vocals to their full potential, their latest hit “Soul Sister” played by Stafford on  the ukulele “in the key of impossible” as jokingly stated by Monahan, suggested audience support. Assuming vocal chord damage at this point, fans were astonished to see him squeeze out the Aerosmith classic “Dream On” complete with Steven Tyler’s signature scream near its finale.

Crediting the ‘City by the Bay’ for helping cultivate the band’s identity and sound, Train’s 5th studio cd “Save Me San Francisco” is reminiscent of the trio’s beginnings as a struggling act. Lyrically autobiographical, Train reflects back to their roots. As career artists today so few and far between, this group seems to have regained their momentum after returning from a three-year hiatus. With the band now securely anchored in the past, yet focused on the future, fans should be sure to head to their nearest station to get a ticket to the next unforgettable Train ride!