North Carolina’s Running On E is back after a string of EPs and one full-length, set to capture broader attention with their third effort, titled the Late Nights And Long Drives EP.
It is always endearing when you are graced with a band that consciously appears to be pushing the envelope within the restraints of a genre. At a time where perceptions of a genre have become so concrete, it is always refreshing when a force threatens to dissemble this construct. Running on E assume the role as this defiant force with their new effort.
The EP starts off with the first single and brightest moment, Where’s My Money, John?, which commences a momentum fuelled by angst to unfold. Where’s My Money, John? shows a distinctive presence that claws to burst through, however is concealed by the weight of the mediocre songs on the rest of the EP. Bassist/vocalist Nick Norton’s vocal tones are chilling as he indulges into a register that reels you into his painted world of youthful ignorance. He declares “we used to sing and laugh at all the lonely people, we swore we would never be like them...” evoking nostalgia.
The record at times seems conflicted where there are moments of originality however there are also times where this is contradicted with presences of predictability. Second track Martin Ferry starts to tread on predictable territory, which persists throughout the record. However, I’m Bad At Naming Songs couldn’t be any more contrasting incorporating an infectious melody and enchanting harmonies that are bold.
The band unfortunately revert back to the rut of their creative demise on Maturity as it fails to strike any chord and becomes tedious with a predictable chorus. Finally closer Horizon is a close shave and uplifting moment on the record, which topples listeners on their heads during the acoustic to full-band transition. Vocalist/bassist Nick Norton sings “the road blends into the hills, but without these pills I can say the horizons aren’t so far...”. As Norton sings this he mixes hope and integrity with a cynicism that is sincere and invites you into his confessions.
On this effort Running On E shows glimpses of a distinctive presence within the plethora of modern pop punk bands. The Late Nights And Long Drives EP content appears as novelty encompassing the aesthetic of classic pop punk bands such as Screeching Weasel and Dude Ranch-era blink-182, with a hint of New Found Glory. However, the band fails on fully capitalizing on this novelty with songs of substance.
Tracklist:
1. Where's My Money, John?
2. Martin's Ferry
3. I'm Bad At Naming Songs
4. Maturity
5. Horizon
Rating:
Written by Aaron Akeredolu
