For Lior Golan,MIDNIGHT TRAINSis a record that took years to reach the outside world. The Tel Aviv-based rock artist’s five-track EP was professionally recorded four years before its release, with the finished recordings remaining on his laptop while he dealt with personal struggles and worked to find his way back to music.
The record grew out of a long musical partnership between Golan and guitarist Gabriel Lefelman. The two first met around 15 years ago and began writing together almost immediately. Their collaboration developed through years of changing lineups, difficulty finding gigs, financial limitations, and countless attempts to keep their rock project moving in Israel.
Eventually, after several versions of the band, Golan and Lefelman decided to stop waiting for the right circumstances and record professionally. The result became MIDNIGHT TRAINS. What followed was another four-year pause before Golan was ready to bring the material forward.
The EP was recorded at Shardo Studio in Israel, using the studio’s SSL console and a recording process designed to preserve a live feeling. Bass and drums were played together through the songs, with guitar used as a guide before additional guitar layers and textures were added later. Keyboard player Niv Hovav contributed Hammond, synthesizer, and piano parts, while the final vocals and instrumental layers were built around the original performances.
Musically, MIDNIGHT TRAINS comes from Golan’s love of rock that hits hard without losing its dynamics. Led Zeppelin is a major influence, alongside Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Muse, Faith No More, King Crimson, Cream, and Lamb of God. Across the five tracks, that influence meets Golan’s own writing, which he describes as music shaped by torment and passion, guided by emotion and imagination.
There is also a strong sense of release behind the record. Golan describes writing these songs as a form of escapism and says the process became part of his healing. On “You Tried Your Best,” he writes about becoming whole again and finding a way to serve as a light. That idea sits at the heart of MIDNIGHT TRAINS: songs born during difficult years that Golan has finally chosen to let others hear.
Now working from a new studio and focused on new material, Golan sees the EP as both a first release and the opening of a new period in his music.
Stream Below:open.spotify.com/album/1HTvVAFyi5Y0GJ
Follow Lior Golan:@lior.golan