Light Rail by Wyoming Toad

Sociologist and photographer Brian O’Neill kindly invited me to compose songs to pair with his photography book, “A Desert Transect” (Immaterial Books), which illuminates the experiential, social, and environmental dimensions of the Phoenix area’s Valley Metro Rail system. My goal was to create a sonic backdrop for the photos as well as celebrate public transportation. Thank you for the opportunity, Brian!

You can order a copy of Brian’s photo-book here:

https://www.immaterialbooks.com/a-desert-transact

Tracklist

1.	Light Rail	2:28

2.	Through Treated Glass Darkly	1:46

3.	Fishplates	2:04

4.	From Switch Machine to Quivering Seats	1:24

5.	Corrosion Control	2:12

6.	Nodding Off	4:21

7.	Sprawl	1:25

8.	Underground Conduits	1:39

9.	Refractions	2:38

10.	Traction Power	2:50

11.	Over 115°F, Again	1:35

12.	Kind Eyes Amid Civil Inattention	2:30

13.	Catenary	1:34

14.	Perforations	1:38

15.	Homebound	2:23

16.	Next Stop?	2:18

Credits

released March 14, 2025

Ryan – Yamaha SY99, Korg Triton Le, Roland XV-5050, Korg Wavestate, Moog Micromoog, Yamaha reface DX, Roland D-05, Roland SC-88, Seiko DS-250

Brian – Field recordings from the Valley Metro Rail system and album art.

License