A: Tram, a band frequently likened to Low, happens to be similarly atmospheric and slow-paced. But the resemblance ends there. In place of Low's Spartan restraint and Duluthian Mormon mystique are a tendency toward sedative multi-instrumental lullabying and a heavy dose of wispy, British melancholy. Tram's arrangements are vibrantly lush, even orchestral at times, but never crowded. Paul Anderson's buttery, androgynous voice and a constant presence of liquid, full-bodied acoustic guitar strumming are the mainstays of Tram's soporific sound. Tempo-wise, I'd say a tree sloth could really rock out to this shit.
A: Uh, well, no. Not really. Poignant, pretty memories abound, but not quite in "galore" concentrations. Anderson's singing is actually somewhat understated. He'll often place his accents on the first beat of every measure for an effect of stoned, rolling, wavy momentum. A second, instrumental melody-- mostly slide guitar or arpeggiated chords-- often lurks in the shadows and embellishes the vocal line. The singing won't embed itself in your tossing, turning head, but the dissembling, subtle beauty of the overall music will reward repeat listens, without exhausting itself.
A: Jeez, who said anything about giving a shit? There's nothing groundbreaking here. Not even close. What Tram does well is synthesize the soothing, grief-addled pace of Mazzy Star with the melodic sensibilities of James' quieter songs, while flexing their own talent for arrangement and low-key melody. For a four year-old band putting out a sophomore album, Tram displays a great deal of maturity and grace. So, if you happen to come by a copy of Frequently Asked Questions, you'll be glad you have it. If not, don't worry; it won't knock you out of "the know."
"We had no previous experience with computer-based recording software and were faced with the daunting task of getting to grips with new technology; hence the ironic album title Frequently Asked Questions (for it seemed that we were spending our whole lives staring at instruction manuals). The title also seemed to tie in appropriately with the themes dealt with on the album."
A: No, smart guy. Actually, a whopping eight additional musicians took time out of their busy schedules of recording commercial jingles and drinking away their sorrow to lay tracks down for a pittance. Even PJ Harvey collaborator John Parish was dragged in to produce "Once I Was"-- a Tim Buckley cover, and the only track not produced by Anderson and Nick Avery. Adding to the name-drop miasma, the Buckley track was recorded at the Cocteau Twins' September Sound studio. Which, in turn, sat on property owned by the Who's Pete Townshend. The studio was subsequently demolished to make room for high-end apartments. No, it's true.
