Rain Like the Sound of Trains - Waiting for the Water (1994)

Rain Like the Sound of Trains were a DC band comprised of members of Soulside, Beefeater and Verbal Assault. Their sound strays from the typical discordant sound of DC punk at that time instead incorporating a heavy dub reggae vibe and a heavy jam / funk vibe. The music still had its heavy DC inspired moments but ends up sounding like a rougher, more hardcore and more bluesy version of the Red Hot Chili Peppers of all things. Bass work by Dug Bird from Beefeater is what the main attraction is here. The bass is fluid and ever present. Guitar work, by Josh LaRue, is quick and funky, keeping time while retaining a sense of that early Dischord melody. Josh LaRue would go on to start the Sorts and Sea Tiger and also played in Sevens with Bobby Sullivan (vocals - ex Soulside). The lyrics deal with mostly political topics and the band were very interested in Eco-political consciousness, with benefits going to various grass roots Ecological groups.