Review Summary: a hidden gem
Run Forever return with an accomplished, thought-provoking self titled album. For lack of a better phrase, the album has “something for everyone” with heavier moments (Shifting Responsibility, Grand Marquis), as well as delicate slow jams. The latter category does make up for the vast majority of the album, mostly so with the softly delivered Plunge.
Musically, the album is put together extremely well. The guitar work throughout is a key component of the bands sound, perfectly switching from driven sections to more intricate and pretty parts, which allow the band to be more expressive lyrically. In some parts of the album, the guitar has a bluesy vibe, especially in the single “Big Vacation” where a guitar solo weaves in and out of the blues chords underneath, which provides a perfect backdrop for Anthony Huebel’s vocals.
I wouldn’t say Huebel has a particularly good voice, however it is a perfect fit for Run Forever. His style is quite warbled, somewhat similar to Christian Holden of the Hotelier on some of their more downbeat songs. Sometimes Huebel doesn't stay fully in tune, but personally I like that as it makes their music sound more raw and honest. It’s like he’s too passionate about what he is singing about to really care about delivering a perfect vocal take. The only real criticism I have with the vocals is that they do sometimes blend in too much, and almost get buried beneath the guitars and there are times where a song would benefit from Huebel pushing his voice to the limit more.
Run Forever have certainly cemented their place within the indie-rock genre with this album, however I don't think it will create many waves elsewhere. It’s an extremely well crafted, and enjoyable album from beginning to end and the waves of heaviness here and there offer a needed break from the sombreness of the record as a whole. With regard to their earlier material, this album offers no surprises, however it does boast much better production.
