Slow Runner

Slow Runner, who I happened to see at the Young Avenue Deli a while back when they first formed, is an indie/electronic rock band that has a differing sound. The lead singer/songwriter Michael Flynn has a comforting and sympathetic if not empathetic voice. He reminds you of a younger Ben Folds, minus the glasses, because he is a thin white kid who plays the keyboards/piano. I saw Slow Runner again 3/25/06 at the Young Avenue Deli where they were promoting their new album called "No Disassemble".

The first track on the CD is a short electronic track of 44 seconds that leads straight into the song ("Break Your Mama's Back") that made its public debut on Grey's Anatomy a little over a month ago. This is somewhat of an upbeat song that immediately introduces you to the type of music this band performs. The following track called "The Sea is Never Full" is a bit slower with lyrics like "Every tear can feel its mother's pull..." making it a more compassionate song than some of the others. The fourth song is faster with a steady beat and occational banjo picking, which makes it not only more enjoyable, but more original. The next song, which is great live, is titled "You're in Luck". This is probably one of the most upbeat songs on the whole CD which could be classified as a "feel good" song. The CD slows down from this point on. The casual banjo picking comes back in the lyricless "Class of '86" which makes the song somewhat soothing and continuous. The CD ends with "Moody Suburban Teenage Love Song" which sounds just like a moody suburban teenage love song might. It reminds you of your own teenage days and brings the CD to a nostalgic close rather than ending with a bang.

All in all, this CD is definitely worth checking out or buying and if you get a chance, I would go see them in concert. They are currently on a national tour and their tour dates can be found on their website.