The Shore Runners - The Shore Runners

The Shore Runners

The Shore Runners
self-released; 2016

3.6 out of 5

By Dom Eagle
​

​The Shore Runners was formed in Normal, Illinois. The band originally comprised of a group of friends, but has expanded to include members such as the lead guitarist’s wife (an impressive backing vocalist and bass guitarist). This friendly, personal and intimate dynamic is really displayed through their music. Everything feels comfortable and effortless.

Their self-titled effort The Shore Runners opens with a beautiful acoustic-rock piece named “That’s My Core.” An acoustic arpeggio, backed by the pattering of percussion, dances and builds its way towards an explosion of electric madness.

Powerful vocals burst through the noise to deliver one of the stronger album openings I have had the pleasure of hearing from an indie band. An emotive chorus bursting with passion, desperately repeating the line “that’s my core” is backed by beautiful female vocals and electric guitar notes which bend and weave in rhythm with a driving beat.

“Wilted Lightning” bolts through with unexpected brute force. Rap-singing overlaps a pumping, bass-heavy beat and guitar solos throughout. It slips with eas back into a powerful, electrified, distorted chorus, full of noise and stunningly-guttural singing. This was an unexpected moment of diversity and excitement within an album for which I was already eager to listen after the opener.

“Follow Me Water” is a gorgeous, steady-paced pop-esque ballad, but reserves none of those qualities that The Shore Runners has displayed through their debut album. Slick guitar solos and complex, filler-based drums still overwhelm the entire track. However, it is the vocals, once again, which steal the show. Husky smoothness is a quality displayed by few male rock singers, but it is delivered perfectly here.

The Shore Runners may still have a long to go before they achieve success, but I think it is safe to say that they will do so.

official website

Tweet