Tel Aviv-based artist Lior Golan brings years of musical experience and personal reflection together on his debut professionally recorded EP, “MIDNIGHT TRAINS.” Created after a 15-year musical partnership with guitarist Gabriel Lefelman, this five-track release feels like a long-awaited statement from an artist who has allowed his music to grow naturally over time.
The EP begins with “CRUEL WINDS”, a high-energy debut set around colorful guitar work, dazzling organs and an upbeat beat. The title track “MIDNIGHT TRAIN” follows, it rolls out with assertive classic rock vibes, and the live set is raw with heavy drum work and grinding guitars. The rhythm section is recorded together, which adds a natural feel to the performance that sometimes is lacking in the polished studio recordings.
“Keep Me Hanging On” takes psychedelic organs and cool guitars to another more ambient setting, and “1991” gets another powerful rock moment. However, the feeling in the EP is captured by “YOU TRIED YOUR BEST.” The song transitions from a dreamy, quiet section to powerful rock and rocker-like sections, then fading into a piano haunt at the end. The song version is more personal, as Golan’s mournful voice slowly intensifies over pounding cymbals and guitars. The ending is a powerful one, as it leaves a message of compassion and perseverance.
“MIDNIGHT TRAINS” is fundamentally a story about learning from mistakes, growing, falling in love and getting better as you go. Is honest, lived in and not afraid to reveal vulnerability and strength.
