Emotion packed
There are many things worth recommending about Run, Forever's debut full length record; full of rousing folk-punk-rock anthems touching on serious topics like the loss of a close friend, politics, organised religion but over the emotional impact of the lyrics they lay an urgent, gritty, melodic set of tunes.
The band seems to move easily between fast paced, fist-pumping anthems with gang vocals, catchy choruses and messages of optimism and hope ('The Devil And Death And Me') and folk influenced acoustic numbers with lyrics so emotionally raw and honest that you feel yourself welling up ('When It Won't Leave'). The contrast makes for an engaging and unpredictable record but the sound running through is distinctive so as a whole it's never less than cohesive.
"The Devil, And Death And Me" brings to mind Desaparecidos and The Thermals directly, mainly due to the vocal style (very Connor Oberst) and distorted, jangly guitars. A folk twang also makes you think Springsteen at times. Despite these obvious links the album never strikes you as derivative; a mix of memorable melodies and dirty guitars added to fantastic, live sounding production that echoes the real experience of the songs being played, makes you forget all comparisons and enjoy the record for what it is; a collection of melodic, well constructed and well played songs overflowing with the band's passionate need to get things off their chest.