Middle Distance Runner – S/T

Middle Distance Runner – S/T / 2007 Self / 6 Tracks / http://www.middledistancerunner.com/

“The Sun and Earth” is the first track on this EP, and it starts out in a sedate way. However, the tempo is something that slowly builds up to give individuals something to get amped up with. The neat composition allow the vocals to take a focal part of the band’s sound, and while the act is influenced by bands like Interpol and The Editors, Middle Distance Runner has a sound that is all their own. “The Sun and Earth” is the track that will get individuals talking about the band, and it will be on the success of this track that Middle Distance Runner makes a name for themselves. The clapping, shuffling sound of “Monochrome Boys” links up with a vocal style that unites Fall Out Boy and Maroon 5, and while the band again plays on a few common musical styles, the beauty of Middle Distance Runner is that they soon make their own style prominent.

“Monochrome Boys” may not be as intuitive of a single as “The Sun and Earth”, but it will get more individuals interested in the band. Middle Distance Runner slows things down with “With Swords”, and gives a whole new set of listeners reason to focus in on the act. The band’s shoegazing style during “With Swords” makes it seem like a good bet that they will be able to move onto a full length format without much in the way of growing pains. Throwing in some more clapping and a faster tempo a minute or so into the track, Middle Distance Runner make another play for the radio rotation charts. The songs on this self titled EP will create a decent-sized fanbase, and allows the act to see what approaches do and don’t work. I know that I would like to hear more from this band in the future.

Top Track: Up In A Tree

Rating: 6.7/10