Saint Nick the Lesser shares “Train Tracks”

Originally coming out of California’s punk and ska communities, Saint Nick the Lesser is now bringing to his new solo project, this time with an alternative folk sound. With experience in DIY scenes and a background informed by years playing in various bands, he fuses his own emotional candour with the progressive stylings of anti folk and the soul of singer-songwriter storytelling.

Influenced by the likes of Frank Turner, Laura Jane Grace, Chuck Regan and Tim Barry, his music carries the bruises and beauty of life from his perspective. His music is straight to the point and subtly angsty yet it’s wrapped in the disarming charm of his memorable melodic writing and warm vocal performances.

Now stepping out as Saint Nick the Lesser after years behind the scenes, the artist is preparing to unveil his debut album Growing up, growing out, a project already beginning to take shape through a series of emotionally potent singles. The first of these, “Train Tracks,” landed in January and serves as both introduction and invitation to join this exciting new journey, offering a song that balances heartbreak and hope with artistic flair.

Recorded at Sivraj Studios in North Hollywood and produced by Ryan Jarvis alongside co-producer Rob Maile, a longtime collaborator from his days gigging across Southern California, “Train Tracks” thematically fames a moment of deep companionship set against a background of unraveling lives and unspoken support. It’s a story that revolves around a weekend visit to a friend in Fresno, someone caught in the middle of emotional challenges, both circumstantial and self-inflicted.

Kicked off by the lively shuffle of uptempo drums, the arrangement bursts to life with bright acoustic guitar strums and graceful flickers of lead notes before Saint Nick’s rich vocals enter to cast metaphoric lyrics. With intricate plucks of banjo and the twang of guitar, he paints the picture of two friends walking back-alley railroad tracks in the quiet Fresno night, fuelled by an entire pot of coffee and mutual understanding.

Dashed with playful backing vocalisations, airy whistles, a slick electric guitar solo and propelled by the steady stomp of the rhythm, “Train Tracks” sees Saint Nick the Lesser open his new artistic chapter with a superb jam that sets the bar high. As he shares more of his forthcoming record Growing up, growing out, we can’t wait to see what this talented singer-songwriter has in store for the rest of 2025 and beyond.

Listen to Train Tracks below

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