I Like Trains (previously styled as iLiKETRAiNS) is an English alternative/post-rock band, formed in Leeds, West Yorkshire. It draws its inspiration from historical failings and a pessimistic world view. I Like Trains has had its music used in Hollywood film trailers, advertisements and television, including an episode of CSI: Miami.

History

Beginnings and debut album : 2004–2008

I Like Trains was formed in 2004 and consists of David Martin (lead vocals, guitar), Guy Bannister (guitar, synthesisers and vocals), Alistair Bowis (bass guitar, synthesisers and vocals) and Simon Fogal (drums). That year, they self-released a single called "Autumn 2004". In 2005, the band self-released another single, "Stainless Steel", and its first official single, "Before the Curtains Close", on Dance to the Radio limited to 500 copies on 7" vinyl. In June 2006, its first EP, Progress Reform, was released by Fierce Panda Records and the song "Terra Nova" was released as a single which went to number 132 in the UK Chart. In 2007, a first album, Elegies to Lessons Learnt, was released by Beggars Banquet Records, with the songs on the album based on tragic historical events and figures, created after thorough research and study. Three singles were released from the album, "Spencer Perceval", "The Deception" and "We Go Hunting". Elegies to Lessons Learnt then went to number 17 in the UK Indie Chart. In late 2008. the band released its second EP, The Christmas Tree Ship.

He Who Saw the Deep and The Shallows : 2009–2012

Having been dropped by the record label, Beggars Banquet, the band founded its own label ILR (I Like Records) in 2009 and released a second album, He Who Saw The Deep in 2010 which had two singles, "Sea of Regrets" and "A Fathers Son". The crowd-funding platform PledgeMusic was used to raise money to produce and release the album. In 2012, a third album, The Shallows, was released.

Tenth anniversary

To celebrate ten years in existence and also the centenary of the Brudenell Social Club, I Like Trains performed a special gig at the venue in Leeds wher, for the first time, Progress Reform was performedin full. Progress Reform was also remastered and re-released on 4 November 2013 as a 500-copy limited edition vinyl album.

A Divorce Before Marriage

A Divorce Before Marriage, a film about the band by Matt Hopkins and Ben Lankester, was released in 2016. It had been in production since the recording of The Shallows. An album with the same title accompanied the film.

KOMPROMAT

On 6 May 2020, the band announced another album KOMPROMAT, and released the single "The Truth" as well as its video. It was released on 21 August 2020 on a new label, Atlantic Curve.

Gallery

Discography

Albums and EPs

Singles