Album Reviews
- by Tom Dumarey
Featuring singer Larry Bernhard, guitarists Charlie Parsons and Lawrence Nelson, bassist Daniel Baker, and drummer Stu Lloyd, The Run Up got their start in Bristol back in 2014 and haven’t looked back since. They have been cranking out releases on a regular basis, which is not an easy feat considering they are on the road a lot. A lot as in over 150 shows across 12 countries in two years.
When they aren’t on tour waiting for yet another van to break down (check album closer ‘ADAC’ for more on that), The Run Up like to crank out the kind of gruff melodic punk rock that warms my heart. You know the kind I’m talking about. Nothing but big, goofy smiles, fist pumps, singalongs and good times. Think Red City Radio and Iron Chic but I dunno, with even more oomph I guess. Not the horrible German band, but oomph as in pizzazz, va-va-voom, zing and other strange English words.
It’s something they do well. Just check out the the opening combo that is ‘Portraits’ and ‘Grip,’ respectively about the ridiculous standards that social media impose on us and trying to please everyone instead of worrying about yourself. Yup, not just solid songs but solid songs with a positive message.
From there on, they just keep at it with album highlights ‘Discretion’, ‘Sticky’ and ‘Light It Up’. Honestly, there is little to fault these guys on other than that the songs blend together a bit after a while. Even though that doesn’t make them less solid. I just feel like a bit more variety would have made ‘In Motion’ an even stronger album. As it is though, there is more than enough to enjoy on The Run Up’s second album if you are into punk rock that oozes charm, sincerity and anthemic inclinations.
Track listing:
- Portraits
- Grip
- Your Omission
- Discretion
- Sunsets
- Check
- Sticky
- Shields Up!
- Shady
- Light It Up
- The Run Up
- ADAC
Lacking the talent to actually play in a band, Tom decided he would write about bands instead. Turns out his writing skills are mediocre at best as well.
