Listen to the new album from Sam Hauge!
Listen to the new album from Sam Hauge!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Running After Rockets

Running After Rockets
Those We Were EP

Album length: 5 tracks: 21 minutes, 54 seconds
Street Date: May 19, 2012
Artist Website: Facebook
Buy It: Bandcamp

Talladega, Alabama is famous for two things (off the top of my head, that is): having the longest NASCAR track and a subsequent Will Ferrell movie centered around it. But Talladega is also home to a three-piece pop rock band called Running After Rockets. The trio has been around for three years, and have just released their first independent EP, called Those We Were.

It contains five moderately-paced pop rock and alternative songs full of even amounts of fun, worship, and grace. Their brand of rock should be pretty appealing to those who enjoy bands like Yellow Second and AFI, vastly different as those two bands are, with vocals from Jon Castleberry that, at times, are similar to Casey Crescenzo from The Dear Hunter/The Receiving End of Sirens. Those familiar with these bands may think this a strange combination, and yeah, it normally would be. But Castleberry's indie-style vocals work around the poppier rhythms and melodies. You may also notice an added layer of depth to the songs than what a three-piece usually offers; this is due to a line-up change after the EP's recording. They were a four-piece at the time, which explains the extra guitar, but have since dwindled down to three.

"White Tailed Hind" is the lead-off track, and serves the position well. There's that AFI flavor added as Castleberry tells a story of God's glory becoming apparent in his broken life, making a bit of a reference to the Old Testament story of when God allowed Moses to catch a slight glimpse of His glory. The pace drops a little for "Big Strong Hands" and "Sidewalk Serenade." In the latter, Castleberry's heart breaks for the lost in a random city in which he finds himself, while recognizing his own tendency to feel lost: "I might have never set foot here before, but my heart and mind have many times sailed upon this distant shore." While he's singing, the rest of the band focuses on making and playing music that fits the mood and is able to adapt as it picks up or lowers. The next song, "The Men We'll Become," gives off a very strong Anberlin vibe in the music and rhythm. There are key differences, such as the bridge and some of the guitar tones, but it has a lot in common with a rocker you'd find on Never Take Friendship Personal. Finishing up Those We Were is "West Plains Rain." It's a fairly progressive track, with the music changing pace several times throughout to properly accompany the story being told, like a good soundtrack. While the EP is full of great moments, this final track may be the best of the bunch.

The fact that this is Running After Rockets' first release is somewhat noticeable, but there's rarely a time when that doesn't happen with a young band. In their favor, it's also clear that they're talented. Each song is catchy, well-written, meaningful, and enjoyable to listen to. Of course, with the line-up change, you have to wonder what a follow-up will sound like, but as good as they sound on this EP, I'd be surprised if they weren't able to adapt. Running After Rockets' Those We Were is available for pay-what-you-want on their Bandcamp; it's refreshing, and a good listen for those interested in straight forward alternative and pop punk.

- Review date: 9/14/12, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Back the upcoming album by Loch & Cain!

 

. Record Label: None
. Album length: 5 tracks: 21 minutes, 54 seconds
. Street Date: May 19, 2012
. Buy It: Bandcamp

  1. White Tailed Hind (3:57)
  2. Big Strong Hands (3:37)
  3. Sidewalk Serenade (5:10)
  4. The Men We'll Become (3:53)
  5. West Plains Rain (5:17)

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

              
Back the upcoming album by Loch & Cain!

Search JFH




This Friday, June 2, 2023
ALBUMS
Outbreakband Der Name Jesus - EP [Integrity]
Earnest Pugh The Very Best of Earnest Pugh [Shanachie]
Naomi Raine Cover The Earth (Live) [Tribl]
Wytch Hazel IV: Sacrament (CD) [Metal Blade]

SINGLES
Dante Bowe Wind Me Up - Single [TRUE Music]
Citizens when we pray (acoustic) - Single [Integrity]
Leslie Jordan You Are With Me - Single [Integrity]
REVERE Behold (King of Glory) - Single [Integrity]
Unified Sound Cantaremos (ft. Dr. Ron Kenoly) [Live] - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
Switchfoot The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) (Vinyl) [Lowercase People]
Wytch Hazel IV: Sacrament (Vinyl) [Metal Blade]


Next Friday, June 9, 2023
ALBUMS
TrueSong Tell Someone [New Day]

SINGLES
Lion of Judah Colours - Single [BEC]
Zauntee Hard Work God First - Single [BEC]


For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Endeavored Urgency!




Listen to the New Album By Erin Corrado!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images