The First Exit. Tramhaus

Slowly but surely I am starting to realise that Tramhaus has crept its way into the list with the best new bands in The Netherlands, and as far as I'm concerned way beyond the border of our, at best, mid-sized country. The First Exit is an album filled with strong alternative rock and post punk songs. Songs that go way beyond just being post punk. The band has musicians in it who want to show what they are capable of and show off their inventiveness. The host of details in the songs speak for themselves.

Tramhaus took its time to release its first album. A host of singles and an EP preceded it in the past three years. It turns out that the label and band were right in waiting. The songs on The First Exit are nearly all better than what came before. Tramhaus honed its chops, improved its songwriting, playing and arranging skills along the way. With numerous shows under its belt, here and abroad, the time is right for the next step. Tramhaus has come a long way since 'I Don't Sweat'/ 'Karen Is A Punk'. And so have we all, coming out of all the lockdowns. As if they never were there.

Above all, I love the variation contained within The First Exit. Yes, in the softer songs Tramhaus moves towards Personal Trainer, which is a smart thing to do, as that band is leading the pack today. At the same time the band hardly needed to do a lot of concessions, as it has that part within it all the time. It's the accents that are more pronounced. Through allowing some softness into the music, the eruptions stand out so much more. With that dynamics the songs have become better still. It's not just shocking by loudness any more, it is also impressive. Singer Lukas Janssen plays a big role here as well, as he's stretching his vocals more and more. From purring cat to claws outstretched and huge, blown up tail as it were.

So, dynamics are abound on The First Exit. The band plays with the light and shade in most of its new songs, making them so exciting. It may be fairly predictable when the outbursts come, it doesn't diminish their impact in any way. Tramhaus knows exactly how to go for the maximum effect and takes us there in most songs. It lets us ride the highs and lows of its songs with maximum speed.

Only single 'Ffleur Hari' has the speed and noise and keeps it there but with a surf guitar style! I like the song, sure, but as such it is the least impressive on the album. The band shows it is capable of so much more in the eight other songs. The two guitarists Nadya van Osnabrugge and Micha Zaat play off each other in a superb way. Really supporting each other and adding so much to Tramhaus' songs. There's not one song in which they do not play something special. (Not counting the numerous overdubs that can be found as well.) Behind them the rhythm section, Julia Vroegh (bass) and Jim Luyten (drums), makes optimal use of the dynamics in The First Exit. They fill it all in for the band.

What really surprised me, is the The B-52s influenced song 'The Big Blowout'. That guitar riff is 100% Ricky Wilson. Tramhaus takes another turn in the song regularly, but that playful riff keeps returning.

Having been able to listen to The First Exit numerous times, it has become clear that Tramhaus has made the best album possible. In the past year the band has set huge strides to be where it is today, a contender for the best rock band position in The Netherlands and who knows way beyond.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght

You can listen to and order The First Exit here:

https://tramhaus.bandcamp.com/album/the-first-exit