Straylight Run - Straylight Run

Straylight Run however proves that you should never pigeonhole or judge bands based on what the hype says

Let’s stop trying to connect the dots with the rumors. Let’s stop reading the internet gossip about who did what with whom and let’s put all the bullshit aside for once and focus on the music. Straylight Run’s debut release has been much anticipated ever since the early demos surfaced, and I knew this was going to be something distinctive. Getting the full-length was like getting a present on Christmas morning. I was down right giddy waiting for this album. So after un-wrapping the album and finally playing the music, my early excitement turned to exhilaration. Straylight Run is an album the kids will talk about ten years from now- one of those that will make your all-time favorite list somewhere down the road. People can knock the bands that are constantly glorified, but you can’t knock a band like Straylight Run; who not only live up to the talk, but bulldoze right over it and exceeds the buildup and excitement with great accomplishment.

The album opens with Taking Back Sunday cast-off John Nolan singing with just the piano accompanying his delicately strapping voice. This placid, mellow, more relaxed flow of music suits Nolan’s vocals perfectly. Not many bands can open an album with such force and expressionism with such a simple song, but Straylight Run have- and they’ve done it beautifully.

The demo songs that surfaced over a year ago are revamped and polished for the full-length. Most songs are powered by John’s vocal style with his sister Michelle singing side by side. Good voices must be part of being a Nolan because the vocals of both John and Michelle are the album’s finest and most enjoyable aspects. John’s vocals were always a glaring point for him in Taking Back Sunday, but I don’t think they can fully be appreciated until hearing him on this album. The dynamics are completely different in terms of style, and I think Straylight Run does Nolan perfect justice. The ever graceful Michelle takes over lead vocals on two tracks and that simply isn’t enough. As much as her vocals are perfectly placed slightly in the background, backing her brother, she can definitely take charge as she clearly displays when she delivers the lead.

Another fine point on this album is how the keyboards and piano are put into practice. They aren’t used in the conventional sense of adding electronic or pop sounds; they are used in an almost traditional approach. This makes the music so much more poised and balanced.

When there is tremendous buildup surrounding a band, it’s almost easy to discard them as just another buzz band. Straylight Run however proves that you should never pigeonhole or judge bands based on what the hype says. It would be a crime and disservice to a band that have put together an album where each song is a stunning success. Straylight Run’s debut is a significant step for the members involved, and its something listeners will still be talking about years from now ... I know I will be.

(Victory Records)