The debut album from the South Caroline-based band Slow Runner, No Disassemble, sounds like Grandaddy’s grandson. With a retro-swish sound and look, they are a hard band to pin down. Slow Runner is what happens when Star Wars fans grow up and get funky.
They sound like the movie The Iron Giant looks. Retro — late '50’s early '60’s — beat poet, with a bit of Johnny Number Five thrown in. The odd-sounding bleeps, blips and bloops that are scattered throughout the album, but are used sparingly, give the tracks a funky sound and unique charm. And to their credit they have managed to throw off that over-the-top-quirkiness that plagued the recently split Grandaddy - whose trademark quirkiness contributed to their inability to attain mainstream success.
“Break Your Mama’s Back,” the first track on the album, has a catchy synth and guitar driven melody. The understated elegance of the lyrics completes the harmonious feel of a brilliantly written, thigh-slappingly absorbing song.
“The Sea Is Never Full” has graceful lyrics and piano with muted guitar and frontman Michael Flynn’s mellow, creamy, charismatic vocals work, as always on this album, euphoniously with the music and backing vocals creating a perfect melody.
“You’re In Luck” and “Happy” are fun, upbeat piano-driven rock. And both are excellent examples of why Slow Runner are so good at what they do. “You’re In Luck” has those offbeat lyrics and a great piano riff — I didn’t even know you could have a piano riff, my bad — “Happy” has funky chimes and another piano riff that will have the world playing air piano in no time.
“Redneck Bar” is slightly more peculiar than the rest of the album and starts off with acoustic-styled piano; the slightly strange lyrics fit the feel of the song like a glove.
Dulcet, winsome lyrics, and warm, comforting vocals on the piano driven “Moody Suburban Teenage Love Song” is the perfect way to wind up a simple, beautiful, elegant album.
I am very impressed with Slow Runner. They have a mature, hot-buttered-toast sound that maintains its interesting twists and elegant feel right to the end. They definitely deserve a listen and as much mainstream success as they get. But first, you’ll have to bring them down from playing with those satellites.
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