1997 – On The Run

For 1997‘s sophomore release, On The Run, the band is cleverly using the slogan “Party like it’s 1997” and really I couldn’t think of a better way to describe the album. Cause back in 1997 I was nine, turning ten. I was safe, a little kid who never took many crazy adventures or wild chances. Instead I stuck with what I knew, played it safe and despite a few shinning moments that I’m sure perspired during that year I doubt anyone other than my parents would remember anything I did. That is On The Run: a few shining moments but for the most part a generally safe and forgettable release.

The dual vocalists Kevin Thomas and Alida Marroni trade off vocal duties, sometimes taking over entire songs and sometimes crisscrossing overtop of one another – see 4 A.M. Conversation for the spot on example of alternating vocals. It’s a move that has been done many times before, most notably with acts like Straylight Run and The Hush Sound; and while Thomas may not sound anything like John Nolan, Marroni definitely takes some cues from his sister and it shows on I Will Always Find You which is a rather impressive track thanks to Marroni’s reach but is slightly dotted by some oddly placed keyboard melodies.

Most of the songs fall in the same vein of the aforementioned acts too: keyboard driven pop ditties with some impassioned vocals and slick production. However, they do deviate from that course enough times to keep the album from becoming overly stale. Sunset Beyond Black Clouds sounds like The Early November and Winds of Change sees Thomas copying Chris Carrabba’s signature swoon. Oddly enough the strongest track on the record is unlike any other on the album.

The title track, On The Run, closes off the album and is a beautiful acoustic track that would make Conor Oberst proud, particularly when the harmonica comes in. Unfortunately since it is placed at the end of the album it is also the hardest song to hear. It forces you to sit through the first ten tracks which can be a bit trying at times. Even with the much needed variation between the different vocal styles, the songs still lack the punch or hook required to keep you listening for a full thirty minutes.

So just like my year eleven years ago, On The Run has a few stand out moments but a few months down the road only the creators will really remember it.