To All Trains is the sixth and final studio album by American rock band Shellac, released on May 17, 2024, by Touch and Go Records. It is their first album in a decade and the last recording made before the death of band leader Steve Albini, who passed away just days before its release. The album was recorded over several years and was released without advance promotion, singles, or tour dates.
The album received widespread critical acclaim. On Metacritic, it earned a score of 84 out of 100, indicating universal acclaim. Critics highlighted the album’s intense, minimalistic sound and its emotional weight given Albini's death. Mark Deming of AllMusic noted its vitality and energy, calling Shellac a lean, precise math rock band. Clash Music described the album as “beat-em-up mutant rock,” showcasing Shellac's mastery of rock fundamentals. Kerrang! praised its musical precision with underlying grit and tension. Louder Sound described it as intense and unsentimental, while Louder Than War hailed it as a fresh and thrilling celebration of the band’s minimalism. Pitchfork named it one of the week’s best albums, commending its fierce and noisy spirit.
Some reviewers reflected on the context of Albini’s passing. PopMatters described the album as a haunting, workmanlike project that carries a ghostly presence. Rolling Stone highlighted its blend of sarcasm, noise, and clarity, calling it a fitting final statement. The Scotsman gave a more mixed review, seeing it as a musical epitaph and testament to the band’s unity.
To All Trains has appeared in multiple mid-year best-of lists. Exclaim! ranked it 25th and considered it possibly the band’s best work. Consequence and Stereogum included it among the best albums of May and the year so far, praising its sharp post-punk sound and calling it a unique and irreverent farewell. Online retailer Qobuz also named it one of the top five rock albums of May.
