1997-On the Run
Victory
May 27, 2008

I liked how 1997 had an pop alt country sound on their debut album, A Better View of the Rising Moon. That sound isn't as prevelent on On the Run, but that doesn't make this album any less enjoyable. These songs all flow along at an excellent pace, with plenty of energy to go around. The tempos are mid paced and upbeat, making way for the male/female (Kevin Thomas and Alida Marroni respectively) duel vocals to play off of each other and shine (it should be mentioned that 1997 has again just gone through a line up change and will have another female singer for their next album) through like a sunbeam through a window.

I hear a lot of Taking Back Sunday in the music and vocal phrasing, even when the vocals aren't trading off. Thomas has a great voice, the true centerpiece of the band, and he's able to add plenty of different styles to the bands' sound with a single change of pitch of vocal phrase. He has a good range and carries everything, even though I enjoy Marroni's smooth and sensual voice a little better.

This is a great album from an emerging band. Its an album that I listened to portions of and fell for hook and sinker. There are plenty of catchy parts and a ton of moments to sing along to. I look forward to hearing what they do next, and sincerely hope that they can find another female lead with vocals as strong as Marroni's.

Written by: RF
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