Railer cover

Released 7 years ago this October

Railer

Lagwagon · 2019

35 min · 12 tracks · hardcore punk

A frenetic blend of melodic hardcore and punk energy, laced with introspective lyrics and sharp guitar riffs.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Surviving California — This track captures the band's signature blend of humor and critique through its exploration of life in a tumultuous state, making it relatable and sharp.
  • →
    The Suffering — With its longer runtime, this track delves deeper into themes of existential dread and personal struggle, showcasing the band's lyrical maturity.
  • →
    Faithfully — This song features a more melodic approach while maintaining an aggressive edge, reflecting the band's ability to balance catchy hooks with poignant messages.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Railer showcases strong songwriting and emotional depth, balancing energetic punk with introspective moments.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a high-energy pace with fast tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective tracks.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that add depth to the melodies, particularly in the choruses.
  • The lyrics often shift between personal reflection and social commentary, creating a dynamic emotional landscape throughout the record.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady energy for active listening
  • quick bursts of melodic intensity
  • reflective lyrics for chaotic life
  • for short commutes

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, sprawling albums
  • seek slow, contemplative tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Railer is Lagwagon's first album since their 2014 release, Hang, marking a return after a five-year hiatus. The band, known for their influence in the skate punk scene, continues to evolve their sound while addressing personal and societal themes prevalent in their lyrics.
Stylistic neighbors
No Use for a Name· Pennywise· Bad Religion

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Stealing Light 2:35
  • 2 Surviving California 2:51
  • 3 Jini 2:53
  • 4 Parable 2:59
  • 5 Dangerous Animal 2:21
  • 6 Bubble 3:25
  • 7 The Suffering 4:34
  • 8 Dark Matter 2:37
  • 9 Fan Fiction 3:25
  • 10 Pray for Them 2:53
  • 11 Auf Wiedersehen 2:38
  • 12 Faithfully 2:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata