Mats Dernánd has returned with a brand-new single, “Waiting for a Train,” and it’s a ride worth hopping aboard. The track opens with a gentle, folksy groove that immediately feels warm and inviting, setting the perfect stage for Dernánd’s soulful vocals to take the spotlight. His voice carries both a quiet intimacy and a restless energy, mirroring the song’s central theme of escape and the excitement of new horizons. There’s a real sense of wanderlust, like standing on a platform with a ticket in hand, knowing that something transformative is about to unfold.
Dernánd captures that bittersweet blend of anticipation and freedom in a way that feels personal, yet universally relatable. As the song unfolds, listeners are treated to a shift in energy that’s both surprising and irresistible. The chorus lifts off with a burst of brightness, funky guitar licks, and colorful keys that give the track an upbeat pulse. Just when you think you know where it’s headed, in slides a harmonica that nods to Billy Joel, adding a playful and timeless character. It’s a bold choice, and it works perfectly, bridging classic and contemporary influences with undeniable charm. What makes “Waiting for a Train” especially memorable is its ability to keep building.
The finale feels like the cinematic moment where the train finally pulls out of the station, carrying both artist and listener toward something brand new. The groove sticks, the harmonica rings, and before you know it, you’re humming along long after the music has ended. “Waiting for a Train” manages to balance soul, folk, funk, and pop sensibilities without ever feeling forced, proving Mats Dernánd’s ability to craft songs that are both musically adventurous and emotionally resonant. Dernánd has given us something hopeful. “Waiting for a Train” is about savoring the journey, wherever it may lead.