Customer Reviews

Love at the Core

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I should start off by saying that I am no stranger to the pop-punk/emo-punk/powerpop/whateveryouwannacallit genre (both in the "Christian industry" and the "mainstream"). Bands like New Found Glory, Yellowcard, All American Rejects, Cartel, Number One Gun, The Ataris, Relient K, Hawk Nelson, FM Static, and MxPx find their way to my CD player on many occasions, and I enjoy them thoroughly.

With that said, I believe Run Kid Run's first record, "This is Who We Are," is one of the finest--if not the finest--in its genre. With "Love at the Core," my belief that Run Kid Run is at the top of their class has only been strengthened.

Their musical style is nothing new, but there's just something about this band and its music that is unique; listening to Run Kid Run just makes you feel great. I can't say for sure whether it comes from the consistently catchy melodies, Neil Endicott's layered guitar work, the distinct sound of David Curtis's vocals, or the perfectly balanced and layered production of James Paul Wisner--but the music here has a depth that many others simply lack. I would venture to say that it is a combination of all of these things mixed in with the heart of the band members, themselves. Indeed--if nothing else, Run Kid Run has HEART--and it shines through in their music.

There's just something about this music that is so wonderfully good-natured, honest, and unpretentious. The lyrics are not particularly sophisticated, but they have a simple authenticity to them; they flow with the music and fit it to a tee. Run Kid Run's tunes are catchy and accessible, all the while avoiding the sometimes repetitive, cheesy, and/or sickeningly-sugary-sweet phrases and melodies of some similar groups ("car sick" choruses, as I like to call them).

Structurally, Run Kid Run often deviates from the typical verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/chorus status quo (see "Rescue Me"). RKR has a creativity and unpredictability in their melodies and rhythms that keeps their music fresh, play after play. There's actually meaning behind the lyrics, and the positivity actually feels genuine with these guys. You know that these guys are being themselves, all the way from the lyrics and music to just the way that they dress. This isn't about a "scene;" this is about fun, genuine, uplifting music with a positive outlook that people can connect to and sing along with.

Having said all this, I obviously had very high expectations going into this release, and, amazingly, Run Kid Run managed to meet them. While I wouldn't necessarily say they've surpassed "This Is Who We Are" with "Love at the Core," I would say that they've lived up to it--and that's enough to make my year!

Overall, Run Kid Run hasn't changed much with "Love at the Core," and for someone who loved their first record as much as I did, that is a very, very good thing. James Paul Wisner does a brilliant job with this band as their producer, and I hope that they continue to work together far into the future. Wisner uses similar sounds and production techniques on "Love at the Core" that often hearken back to the first record (background vocals, for example). He also experiments more with ambiance this time around (i.e. the generous use of reverb on "Captives Come Home"). If I had any complaint here, it would be that "Love at the Core" relies a bit more on the production than "This Is Who We Are," which had a bit more of a natural--even analog--sound to it. One example of this would be the heavily produced vocal sound in "Rescue Me," which I felt sounded a bit processed in the intro of the song. The loudness wars also strike again with the mastering on "Love at the Core," but thankfully never cross into the territory of harsh, audible distortion. The overall effect here is still complete sonic ear candy.

Stylistically speaking, upbeat catchy tunes like "Rescue Me," "Sure Shot," "Love at the Core," "Set the Dial" and the infectious and wonderfully unpredictable single, "Captives Come Home," are in a similar vein to the tracks on "This Is Who We Are." Songs like "Fall Into the Light," and "One in a Million," however, show off a slightly darker, more emotional (dare I say "emo"?) side to Run Kid Run, while "The Emergency" introduces a heavier, more dramatic tone to the mix. "My Sweet Escape" slows things down a bit and contains a piano melody so beautifully nostalgic and longing that it could stand on its own right. The closer, "Freedom," is a departure for the band; a dramatic, building piece complete with strings and a soaring chorus line that just might make you tear up a bit if you let it. Lead singer David Josiah Curtis has taken his vocals up another notch with this release, especially evident on tracks like "Fall Into the Light," and his delivery in quieter passages on the title track "Love at the Core." Overall, these tracks are not quite as upbeat as many of those found on "This Is Who We Are," but they are still very much in-character and consistent with who we know Run Kid Run to be; they simply show us a different angle.

This album is a bit more spiritually outspoken than their last, but in a very authentic, personal (and certainly never "preachy") way. I believe that these guys deserve so much more attention and critical acclaim than they get--both in the mainstream and just in the CCM industry--but the beautiful thing is that they don't seem to mind it when they don't get it; they just keep doing their thing and writing great songs. The music and the attitude has remained consistent on "Love at the Core," and it's apparent that these guys aren't going to compromise who they are for the sake of recognition.

All in all, "Love at the Core" is another 35 minutes of pop-punk perfection, and, in my opinion, another example of the pinnacle of this genre. Run Kid Run has proven that they are not only excellent songwriters; they are also consistent ones. Any reservations I had about labeling RKR my "favorite band" are now gone. This is the music of my soul!

Every since the first Side Walk Slam release (former band of members in Run Kid Run) I've been a fan. When Josiah stepped up from bass to sing in the place of their original singer I was skeptical, and his first release at vocals, "Give Back", was a let down for me. However "...And We Drive" was a brilliant release, the melodies never stopped.

Then they dropped off the Tooth and Nail roster, and I was heartbroken. Then I noticed a new band, Run Kid Run, checked them out, and was surprised to find that the members of Side Walk Slam had added another member and changed their name. But their sound was even better.
The catchy pop-punk and great melodies were back, and in incredible abundance.

These guys create amazing songs, the melodies and lyrics are both something to admire. While not breaking any new ground, they manage to keep from falling into the bog that most pop-punk bands find themselves in. None of the songs run together, and every song has something fresh to offer.

This is just as good as "This Is Who We Are", definetly a must buy for anyone who loves melody in their punk.

I enjoyed the pop-punk energy of Run Kid Run's debut, "This Is Who We Are". I must say, they have recaptured the magic that made their debut so dynamic on their sophomore effort, "Love At The Core"!

This album will have a definite spot on my MP3 player's on-the-road rotation. It has been said, and I agree, that there isn't a huge difference in composition (musically or lyrically) from their previous release. However, it is equally as enjoyable!

Run Kid Run does manage to gently change up tempo and instrumentation enough between tracks to keep things moving along smoothly without sounding like carbon copies (as a number of other pop-punk and power-pop acts are notorious for).

Additionally, I am pleased with the fact that this is one of the few acts on a "Christian Label" who do not attempt to disguise or otherwise soften their positive Biblical values expressed through their lyrics. At the same time, I want to acknowledge that there is a difference between Christian's who are in a band for entertainment and those who are in the band as a ministry...I applaud the fact that Run kid Run manages to entertain without compromising the message.

Stand Out Songs: Rescue Me, Sure Shot, The Emergency

I have been waiting for their second album and was not disappointed. The vocals and instuments are more polished and I think this album is better than their debut album. I was very impressed with their first album. They play with a lot of energy and enthusiasm which makes it a very enjoyable album to listen to. Run Kid Run is fast becoming my favorite Christian group.

I've always been a fan of rock music, from classics like Kansas, to more modern stuff like Nickelback, Skillet, Hawk Nelson, etc. This album, "Love At The Core", by Run Kid Run, is something completey different than your regular contemporary rock music. Starting with a energetic song "Rescue Me", it then goes through a somewhat softer mood with "Captives Come Home", back to energetic with "Fall Into The Light", then to a beautiful love song "One In A Million". It then goes through a few more songs that are personal, that make you think, like "Love At The Core", Sure Shot", My Sweet Escape", and others, until a huge finale with "Freedom". I encourage anyone to listen to their music. In short, this album is freakin' awesome!

I sincerely love this band...I finally got around to listening to their debut album tonight, and it wasn't nearly as good as this one, though I'm sure it will improve after repeat listens. Love At The Core is great on all aspects...musically, lyrically, production-wise...there's something on here for everyone, and think that's a bigger step up from "This Is Who We Are".

Rescue Me- A nice opener, love the breakdown towards the end! 4/5

Captives Come Home - I went through this twice, my first time hearing it...strong lyrics and a great chorus 4/5

Fall Into The Light - One of the best songs on the album. Sincerely conveys the journey from being trapped in selfish desires of darkness and needing to fall back into the light of Christ. Really strong song! 5/5

One In A Million - This is a fun song to sing along with. Still getting it embedded in my memory. 4/6

Love At The Core - Probably my least favorite song here but still great. 3/5

Sure Shot - Again another fun one...motivational and inspiring. 4/5

My Sweet Escape - another Strong cut. Amazing lyrics about running to God for escape rather than to anything else. Such a great praise break towards the middle! 5/5

The Emergency - It's a intense as it's title. Another one of my favorites on here. basically explains the mission best of the band. To encourage and help those who are struggling and not in Christ. Awesome sound and great message! 5/5

Set the Dial - "We are the Radio" With everyone complaing about what's on the radio today, it would be good to hear this on the radio. A song of love and communication through music. 4/5

Freedom - Another amazing standout record. A much more calmer record that is broken down, and talks about being freed from sin and being alive in Christ. Epic song, and reason enough to cop the album. 5/5

Run Kid Run is like a cross between Anberlin and Relient K. If you like either band, you'll be right at home with their sound.

This CD is great. I still wish they weren't a damn Christian band... but oh well, at least their music is phenomenal!