Customer Reviews

On the Run

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

 

 

First of all i still believe this band has all the potential in the world but i think they have tried to mature a little to early. Their debut album, a better view of the rising moon, is a catchy, fun disc that leaves u with a smile and not a care in the world after listening to it.Unfortuatly this new offering from the group seems to be trying to much to distance themselves from the pop/sorta punk-sorta not label that the first cd was given. On the cover there is this large sticker which gives a description of running through a field on a sunny day but after listening the cd seems more like staring at the stars on a lonely winter night with only thoughts of an ex girlfriend. granted, there is nothing wrong with that but the label is a little misleading.

Music-wise the band seems to fall a little flat. I was expecting the bright explosions that i had come to customed to but they are few and far between here. there are some great riffs here but the use of all the backing instruments is a bit distracting.

caleb, kevin and alida vocals fit the music beautifully and i think alida shows mind-boggling growth. the lyrics are intelligent but do seem to be repeative after awhile.

Overall this is 3 out of 5 stars. some good songs but also some that should have been left on the floor. Hopefully whatever depressed the band over the past year and half has past them and the next album will be quite happier.

Their last CD was so much better. I fell in love with 1997's old sound... This is definately not as good as the first.

I can't stop listening to this. I cannot believe that I have found music by a band that I can listen to and enjoy every day. I keep trying to find fault with this cd like , too emo, or over produced, but the song writing, lyrical melodies, vocals and production using a variety of instruments including harmonica, synths and other instruments that sound like theremins or a musical saw, provide a wide ranging and musically diverse musical palette. The breathless yet brassy female vocals are absolutely stunning mixed with the inventive arrangements. I guess people that like Toto or Survivor can't dig this.

I listen to things like Zappa, Beefheart, Little Feat, The Who, Kinks, Apples in Stereo, Residents, QMS, Miss Alex White, Head of Femur and much more, and have seen all of the acts mentiond in concert. I have seen 1997 live twice including last night, and recommend both "On the Run" and their live performances. They have a couple of new members working in, including a new female vocalist (Arthie?), providing a strong live presence. Listen for yourself, every track on this disc is a great work.