Runway – Runway

Canadians Runway launched this, their self-titled album back in April this year which I totally missed. They are set to release it to vinyl at long last so what better time to explore these amazing tracks. They have already won over the psyche fandom with their choice heavy jams so they are fairly well known out there already. For those of you, like me, hitting the Runway for the first time I asked main man Christopher Laramie to give us a potted history of the band.

Sounds like we are in for a treat! Let’s dive in.

The album begins with the mesmerizing and hypnotic ‘Slower Egypt’ which takes us off to a mystical and ancient land. The song has a steady and groovy guitar riff that creates a trance-like state, along with a tight rhythm section that adds a mysterious and mystical touch. It’s is a slow and captivating opener that sets the tone for the album.

We continue with the blistering and furious ‘No Witnesses ‘that unleashes the band’s raw and aggressive side. There’ a ripping guitar riff that tears through the speakers, along with sustained feedback wave of defiance and rebellion. This one is a fast and explosive blast of energy that grabs you by the ears and shakes you up.

With ‘Hogan’s Outback’ things switch up a bit. Theres a stop start, push and pull to the melody. Guitars almost in battle with the drums for control over the pace of that track. The tension that creates is palpable and has you on the edge of your seat.

A nice bit of word play in our next song title. ‘Attempted Mordor’ moves to a colossal and heavy number that explores the band’s epic and ambitious side. The song has a massive and powerful guitar riff that dominates the sound. It’s an ominous and menacing atmosphere it creates that adds a sinister and evil touch. This track is an intense and colossal piece that creates a sense of awe and fear to match the title.

‘Bandera’ is a lysergic journey across the desert. The heat of the sun is almost tangible in the sound exploding out my speakers. The way this one layers up and layers up until the record is struggling to contain the technicolour clamour is breathtaking. Man, I’d love to check this one out live.

Things get a bit lighter on ‘Franchy Cordero’.  It’s an intricate and complex instrumental with a twisting and turning guitar riff, along with a dynamic drum beat and a fluid bass line. The song is full of surprises and changes, creating a diverse and rich soundscape.

We’re in the ‘Crosshairs’ next. This is heavy. Like Zeppelin heavy! Drums sound like they’re being played with tree trunks, the guitar riff is apocalyptic and the swirling soundscape only adds to the song’s gravitas. It’s an intoxicating mix and you get lost in it. Just stunning.

The album concludes with something a bit different. ‘Mailman’ is slice of space rock full of eastern promise. The band introduce a viola for that Bedouin vibe. With a bit more stretch on the runtime the band have a lot more space to experiment and play around. The effect is a spacious sound stage with a real variety of tonal notes and some killer riffage. What a way to bring this amazing album to a close.

Runway is, undoubtedly, an impressive debut album that demonstrates the band’s talent and potential. I have been assured that more recording and writing is underway and I can’t wait to hear where the band go next. If it’s anywhere near the standard of this record, we better strap in, because we’ll be going into hyperspace.

Runway has been released in a three-way deal with labels Cardinal Fuzz in the UK/ Europe, Echodelick Records in the US and WeHere&Now Recordings out of Stratford, Ontario for Canada. If you get along to any of their live shows the band will have a bunch of copies on the merch stall.

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