RAIL arrival PB6024
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Artist = RAIL
Title = arrival
Label = PASSPORT
Catalog# = PB6024
Barcode = none
Release = USA
Year = 1983
RPM = 33rpm
Disc Size = 12"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
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The Sound of a Contest-Winning Power Trio: Rail’s “Arrival”
The history of rock and roll is full of unique stories of how bands got their big break. A fascinating example from the early 80s is the power trio Rail, whose journey to a major label deal is captured on their 1982 EP, “Arrival,” which we’re looking at here on the EMI America label with the catalog number PB-6024.
Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Rail honed their craft for years, building a reputation as a formidable live act. Their big moment came when they competed in and won the very first “MTV Basement Tapes” competition, a show where viewers voted for their favorite unsigned artists. Winning this national exposure led directly to their record deal with EMI America.
“Arrival” is the band’s debut release on the label, and it’s a fantastic showcase of their powerful and polished sound. As a trio, their music is tight, energetic, and surprisingly full-bodied. The EP is a perfect slice of early 80s American hard rock, blending muscular, guitar-driven anthems with a keen sense of melody that gave them a radio-friendly edge.
The tracks on “Arrival” are filled with impressive musicianship, from the powerful and melodic vocals to the skillful and often flashy guitar work. The songs are well-crafted, catchy, and delivered with the confidence of a band that had already proven its mettle on the live stage. It’s the sound of a band seizing its moment, a triumphant first statement on a major label.
For fans of early 80s hard rock, power trios, and the interesting stories of the MTV era, “Arrival” is a fantastic find. It’s a snapshot of a talented band at the very beginning of their national career, a testament to their contest-winning skills. You can find this excellent EP in our store or on our website.