Mathieu Santos’ “I Can Hear The Trains Coming”

Following in the footsteps of bandmate Wes Miles, Ra Ra Riot bassist Mathieu Santos is set to release material from his first foray into the realm of solo side projects. I Can Hear The Trains Coming, Santos’ debut 7″ will be released on July 26 on Old Flame Records.

While Ra Ra Riot frontman Miles found great success with Rostam Batmanglij and their co-created electropop outfit, Discovery, Santos’ transition to the front and center seems a bit less natural. A much more reserved figure at live shows, he only started to sing on the Ra Ra Riot’s latest album, The Orchard–notably offering backup vocals on “Massachusetts.” Santos’ title track, however, makes it seem like he’s been doing it for years.

“I Can Hear The Trains Coming” builds off a characteristic thumping bass line– a la “Boy”–as Santos adds bubbly vocals, which sound eerily like Miles. With an echo shadowing his voice throughout, the song builds, layering steadily progressing beat and odd samples that recall the best of Animal Collective (yes, that is a dialup internet signal in the background).

Mathieu Santos- I Can Hear The Trains Coming (download)