Lior Golan drops his deeply personal debut EP, MIDNIGHT TRAINS, translating years of struggle, healing and self-discovery into an intimate musical journey. The project is full of passionate songwriting with a rock edge in five tracks and a brisk 23 minutes of music but feels more authentic than radio-friendly. No, it is an art of life, of hard memories and the will to survive. In every arrangement and lyric you can hear it comes from a vulnerable place and invites us to share a journey where pain slowly turns into hope. The EP also feels like the culmination of years of trust, perseverance and a shared artistic vision with longtime creative partner Gabriel Lefelman.
With the first cut “CRUEL WIND,” the emotional weight of the record is immediately felt. The instrumentation is restless, the vocals a testament to resilience in the midst of adversity. The result is a potent but reflective atmosphere. It sets the tone for the rest of it, without revealing all its emotional depth at once. "MIDNIGHT TRAIN," the title track, is a natural transition as the momentum shifts to a more cinematic and reflective mood. The song captures that feeling of looking for a new way forward after some difficult chapters, blending melodic warmth with moments of tension that reflect the uncertainties of life. The first two tracks are a good foundation for us to relate to the EP’s core themes of survival, recovery and personal transformation.
“Keep Me Hanging On” continues the emotional thread, bringing a more intimate perspective to the project. The thoughtful pacing and expressive melodies give space for reflection, allowing you to appreciate the quieter emotions that so often accompany healing. The power of the track is not only the dramatic moments but also the honesty and restraint. The story continues in “1991” with Gabriel Just, where the collaboration adds complementary vocal textures and emotional depth to the song. The chemistry between the performers lends the memories explored here an air of authenticity and lived-in quality, adding to the narrative flow of the EP. The highlighted selections again end with “YOU TRIED YOUR BEST,” with Gabriel Just, a sympathetic ending. The song has an acceptance, not defeat, that reminds us that when we acknowledge our efforts, growth can begin, even when life takes unexpected turns.
What’s so striking about “MIDNIGHT TRAINS” is its acceptance of the imperfect. Lior Golan does not give you a story with easy answers or forced optimism. Rather, the EP embraces the truth of rebuilding after addiction, grief and personal loss. Hope grows organically from the music itself. This makes the project all the more meaningful, as these songs were incomplete for years before being shared with the world. Now, each song represents resilience and creative freedom. MIDNIGHT TRAINS is not about chasing trends, it’s a sincere collection that reminds us that music can be healing, connecting and renewing for anyone who’s looking for light beyond their darkest hours.
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