Middle Distance Runner is an indie-pop outfit from Washington, D.C. whose 5 members combine their different influences to create a multi-layered sound that seamlessly blends their disparate influences. In addition to indie-pop, their sound has elements of heavy rock and shoe-gazing layered beneath the accessible surface.
Singer Stephen Kilroy and drummer Erik Dean usually build the lyrical and melodic framework of a song, and are followed into the studio by guitarists Allan Chappelear and Jay Smith. Chappelear does his best to bring out a grittier side of the pop tendencies of Kilroy and Dean, while Smith fills the sonic holes with ambiance. Bassist Ian Glinka provides his britpop-influenced backdrop to the songs, completing the tapestry of styles that comprises Middle Distance Runner’s sound.
In 2006, MDR self-released their debut album, Plane in Flames to critical and popular acclaim. MDR recently completed a self-titled EP containing new and reworked material, which will be available to the public in Fall of 2007.
Praise For Middle Distance Runner
“These insanely catchy rockers [think the Strokes] are the city’s pick-to-click for mainstream success.” – Spin
“With a growing regional fan-base and a name that’s beginning to be heard across the country, Middle Distance Runner could be on the verge of something big.”- Paste
“Middle Distance Runner goes out of its way to flex its muscles and display some diversity, with “Man of the People” tossing in some Hives-like garage rock, “Shoot the Shit” cribs a little Soundtrack of Our Lives, “Hooks” comes over as a blippy-to-anthemic Postal Service nod, while “That’s a Lie” ends things on a Jesus and Mary Chain wall of guitars. – Pop Matters
“MDR’s sound clearly draws on mid-’90s British rock – think pre-OK Computer Radiohead, Blur, Oasis – and exudes a confidence and professionalism that many young bands lack.” – The Washington Post
11.09 – Ithaca, NY @ The Haunt
11.29 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
11.30 – Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse Music Hall
12.02 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
12.04 – Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn
12.07 – Tampa Bay, FL @ The Crow Bar
12.09 – Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbit’s
12.10 – Charleston, SC @ The Map Room
12.11 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
12.12 – Norfolk, VA @ The Boot
12.13 – Baltimore, MD @ Lo-Fi Social Club
12.14 – Washington, DC @ Rock And Roll Hotel
12.15 – Philadelphia, PA @ North Star Bar
* All shows with Mobius Band
John Sargeant, writing on NeuFutur as Sargeant, is the founder and editor-in-chief of NeuFutur Magazine, where he has covered independent music, PC hardware, consumer tech, and gaming culture since 1998. With over 25 years of continuous digital publishing experience, he has written thousands of hands-on game and record reviews, conducted in-depth hardware field testing, and analyzed digital media monetization trends. His work prioritizes first-hand evaluation and long-term product testing.
Beats: Independent Music, PC Gaming & Peripherals, Consumer Tech, Webmaster Tools
Testing & Ethics: All hardware, software, and media reviews are conducted through hands-on evaluation in accordance with NeuFutur’s editorial independence standards; sponsored consideration is strictly excluded from editorial ratings.
Contact: editor@neufutur.com