Music; it is an element in life that can provide the perfect accompaniment to an activity. This varies, as the activity requires a mood, an atmosphere and the imagination. Whilst listening to this third full length from Arliss Nancy, this reviewer has been reading the Kerouac classic ‘On the Road’. Reading this book has certainly helped to get into the skin of this album, aptly titled ‘Wild American Runners’. For what’s it worth, after taking it all in, it’s surprising that the band aren’t well known as this record is good for the following reasons.
Arliss Nancy season their own take on blue collar influenced roots rock and gritty Americana punk rock. Every song is lead forth by Chris Love’s sweetly sounding keys and the whisky soaked vocals from Cory Call. All the while, these components are lifted by the guitars, bass, drums and harmony fringed backing vocals. Arliss Nancy as an outfit is fined tuned, subtle in touch and features gruff heart on sleeve honesty. ‘Nathaniel’, ‘Both Got Old’ and ‘Coals’ are a few examples that show off this neatly done formula. Final tracks ‘The GB Shuffle’ and ‘Vonnegut’ bring in an acoustic guitar to this formula to round off the album with a sense of clarity.
Thematically, the songwriting is drenched on tales affecting the average individual in America. Such themes involve the personal trials that are met with restlessness, striving for self-worth, dealing with changes, and not only looking back, but looking forward as well.
Since this is the first Arliss Nancy LP this reviewer has listened, it’s difficult to compare it to previous efforts and see how far they’ve come as a band. Regardless, ‘Wild American Runners’ is a record rooted in American poetic literature and punk rock grit. This is a record that will reach to fans of Bruce Springsteen, Lucero, The Replacements and The Gaslight Anthem. It’s soft and sweetly calming on top, but has a gruff beating heart beneath it. If there is one criticism, it is that this require does require you to be in a certain mood and it won’t grab at you straight away. Other than that, it certainly does tick all the right boxes for a really good album once it clicks with you.
4/5
‘Wild American Runners’ by Arliss Nancy is released 8th October on Black Numbers.
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Words by Aaron Lohan (@ooran_loohan)
