Retaining The Summer Glow Long After The Tan Fades
It must be something in the water, something that works its way into the DNA of the locals that makes California such a Mecca for pop punk. Step forward the latest contribution from the sunshine state, Runner Runner, a band with plenty of pop punk experience in their ranks and credentials showcasing former members of Rufio, Over It and Don’t Look Down. This is a band who know what their doing and with Runner Runner, it appears they have all the right ingredients.
Taking their name from a poker term which basically means to win against the odds when two perfect cards are dealt to secure victory, Runner Runner appropriately offer up the same feel good, happy go lucky vibe throughout their music. Debut self titled album, "Runner Runner" is a master class in creating the ideal pop punk album, tailor made to be the soundtrack to the summer as power chords mingle with group vocals to guarantee everyone if singing along.
As the soft strum of a guitar tentatively ushers a welcome, ‘So Obvious’ bounces ecstatically in, charged with contagious energy as shout along bursts of vocals dance beside an irresistible chorus that would even put a smile on Kristen Stewart’s face. This is summer wrapped up in under four minutes, a blast of feel good fun that brilliantly sets up the rest of the album. ‘Unstoppable’ ups the ante somehow further as a bout of handclaps are thrown into the mix to insure your body is moving as well as your vocal chords whilst the chugging urgency of ‘Hate The Way’ bristles with expectation to leave all buzzing and dancing like a fool. That said it’s not all rosy; the shouts of "beep beep" might be taking things a little too far on ‘She’s My Kinda Girl’ as the sugary sweetness starts to pack more of a pop slap minus the punk punch.
Proving that the heartfelt can be just as contagious as the upbeat, ‘Paper Cuts’ is a lighter-in-the-air ballad offering, full of soaring vocals seeped in emotion completed effectively with power chords to match. Meanwhile ‘Hey Alli’s tender start quickly erupts with a blast of chugging riffs as that feel good vibe makes its appearance once again, exploding in an hail of pure pop punk genius.
Formed only two years ago and already having received 11 million visitors to their Myspace page, Runner Runner certainly seem to be on the right path. Emotional without a sense of gloom, cheery without being overly saccharine, Runner Runner radiates fun. Set for release in September, "Runner Runner" looks set to retain the summer glow long after the tans have faded.