1997 - On the Run

[Drew Beringer]

1997 - On The Run
Release Date: May 27, 2008
Record Label: Victory

It’s not unusual for a young band to face member changes, creative differences, and other road bumps along the way to being a successful band, and 1997 is no exception. But it’s how the young band reacts to said dilemmas that’ll make or break them. Right before the release of their Victory debut, A Better View Of The Rising Moon, in 2007, keyboardist and vocalist Kerri Mack left due to personal reasons, and bassist Colby Hatt left as well. But Alida Marroni and Alan Goffinski filled in immediately, helping the band to not lose any steam as they built momentum over the course of the year with non-stop touring. This past winter, 1997 headed up to Freeport, New York, to record with Steve Haigler (Brand New, As Tall As Lions) and came away with eleven tracks that make up their sophomore effort, On The Run.

While 1997’s debut was more on the pop-rock side, On The Run definitely moves into the musical direction of bands like Straylight Run and The Forecast; a more alternative, “indie-rock” (for lack of better term) record, full of lush instrumentation, which could be credited some to Haigler’s production skills. Opener “One Mind Track, Four Track Heart” seems to take the album title literally, as its fast-paced guitars and drums take the track on a getaway car. “Dancing With The Devil” is an aggressive tune, while “Sunset Beyond Black Clouds” channels just a bit of folk to mix in with this dreamy rocker, as the harmonica adds a nice touch.

“4 A.M. Conversation” may be my favorite track on the album, with a rickety guitar riff and booming drums, Marroni and vocalist Kevin Thomas play call and return as a couple coming to the bitter end of their relationship. “I Will Always Find You” is a dark, piano-paced tune anchored by Marroni, and “Winds Of Change” has a certain pep to it, a confident tune with spark. The album ends with a trifecta of quality songs, starting with “A Dream Of Form In Days Of Thought,” which is hauntingly beautiful and closes with the title track, a short gentle acoustic track.

To be honest, On The Run took me by surprise. I mildly enjoy their debut, although it was forgettable, but On The Run will definitely be spinning on my stereo for weeks to come. 1997 may be on the run from being a generic pop band, lineup shakeups, and my horrible puns, but with this release, they certainly aren’t hiding.

Track Listing:
1. One Mind Track, Four Track Heart
2. Dancing With The Devil
3. Sunset Beyond Black Clouds
4. 4 A.M. Conversation
5. January 19th
6. I Will Always Find You
7. Winds Of Change
8. Zechariah’s Song
9. A Dream Of Form In Days Of Thought
10. Tennessee Song Part 2
11. On The Run
Produced by: Steve Haigler

1997 are:
Kevin Thomas - vocals
Nick Coleman - drums
Caleb Pepp - guitar, vocals
Alida Marroni - keyboards, vocals
Alan Goffinski - bass
Cody Josephson - harmonica, guitar

Buy the album now: http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif ( http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=dbziBg1FBPw&offerid=78941&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fphobos. apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStor e.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fi%25 3D280602694%2526id%253D280602597%25 26s%253D143441%2526partnerId%253D30 )

Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/nineteenninetyseven); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/1997)

[hockeyguitar99]

I just reviewed this a few hours ago

i gave it higher ratings

but i definetly agree about 4 am conversation being a great track

[liar23]

really excited for this

[DandonTRJ]

Total agreement. 1997 seems to be traveling down the Straylight Run path of musical evolution, and given that SR's debut album is one of my favorite records of all time, I could not be happier about it. I also like how the folk influences get progressively heavier the farther you get into the CD; you basically watch the stylistic shift unfold right in front of you.

[NorthstarPark]

Is it me or does Alida kinda sounds like Adrianne Verhoeven (of the greatly under-rated band The Anniversary)? I dunno maybe because I was dead tired when I listened to it last night, I'm gonna listen to it again tonight and make sure i'm not sounding like a jackass. Anyways it was good on the first listen, hopefully it will grow on me more.

[Poochemist]

I'm not familiar with much of 1997's work, but I just listened to "Dancing with the Devil," and it certainly doesn't strike me as aggressive. Perhaps compared to their other tracks?

[cason eat world]

Good review. 4 A.M. Conversation also stood out to me as the best track. I'm starting to think I'm the only one who enjoyed A Better View Of The Rising Moon, it was just a fun, upbeat record, and it was enjoyable. I'll have to give this a few more listens before I decide which one is better.

[salmarnirecho]

meh. 1997 always sort of bored me. I got this album, an after one listen I had a couple songs that I liked, but it didn't strike me as anything worth too many listens. I suppose I'll have to give it another shot...

[mylastnerv]

I'm not sure I like the new girl's vocals on this recording. I played it in store, and everytime she started to sing it just felt out of place.

Maybe another listen or two will get me used to this . . . or maybe not.

[ydnacnottoc]

i'm sorry, but i loved 'better view of the rising moon..." so much better. alida, you do not live up to kerri mack's legacy. she was by far a better singer and keyboardist. i am disappointed in the path 1997 has followed. i cannot listen to the cd without being upset, thus, i do not listen to it.

do yourself a favor, listen to the first cd. it's amazing.

[dustyfloors]

This album is great.
Solid review.

[bailmeout13]

May have to check this out, the EP is pretty good. Nice review.

[Sandie-Jenkins]

the only thing they failed to mention, and probably one of the main reason for the change in sound, is that they added Cody J to second guitar. go to myspace and listen to his stuff, and it'll explain alot. also, Alida has more of a mellow voice, where as Kerri had a very distinct agressive voice. they had to change up to fit her better. i think this cd is alot better then you think. listen to it a few times. it'll really grow on you.

[JamiesElsewere2]

the morning of is better

[briXinRhands]

good review, i liked it too, no one has mentioned January 19th...i love that song

[IndieUprising]

I interviewed Alida from 1997 on this week's show. Check it out here:

http://www.indieuprising.net/podcast/indieuprising-42/

Great album. I really like it and will be writing a review soon as well.

.sean
www.indieuprising.net (http://www.indieuprising.net)

[scabozza29]

I love this record.

[Craftsy21]

the morning of is better

better at what, sucking? 1997 is so much better than TMO it's not even funny.

[bradsonemanband]

i hate I WILL ALWAYS FIND YOU. the girl's voice is horrendous in that track, imo

[ShimmerAndSpill]

i went through a phase with their debut album, but now i've lost a lot of interest, i probably won't pick this up unless i hear more good things about it.

[NorthstarPark]

the morning of is better


I used to like The Morning Of, but the two singer voices sound so much alike I couldnt tell which was the dude and which was the chick. I dont hate them, but I wouldnt listen to them again on my own.

Back on topic, I listened to again last night, it is definitely a grower. It'll grow on me soon.

[fuller]

keep raging gentleman.

[Wisher]

good review, i liked it too, no one has mentioned January 19th...i love that song

The first time through this album, that was the only song I really liked.

I guess I need to listen to it a few more times, but I think I liked their debut better. We'll see how it grows on me.

[DeadPoetic]

I love this CD so much. Zechariah's Song and 4am Conversation ftw.

[emoandroid]

i'm sorry, but i loved 'better view of the rising moon..." so much better. alida, you do not live up to kerri mack's legacy. she was by far a better singer and keyboardist. i am disappointed in the path 1997 has followed. i cannot listen to the cd without being upset, thus, i do not listen to it.

do yourself a favor, listen to the first cd. it's amazing.

I could not have said it better myself. Everyone raves about Alida but her voice doesn't even fit in with the music. Also, every track on 'Better View...' was perfect. this album is just blah.

[knux]

I think everyone that doesn't like the new cd has no appreciation for bands progressing, growing up, and changing routes musically. This cd is a great sophomore album from these guys.

And for the record The Morning Of is nothing compared to these guys.

[cool_miah]

I'm surprised so many people like 4 a.m. Conversation so much. I think Alida has a great voice, but it just doesn't fit the style of that song. So far I think their debut was better, but this album has definitely grown on me since the first listen.

[bloodyr0mance87]

Good review. 4 A.M. Conversation also stood out to me as the best track. I'm starting to think I'm the only one who enjoyed A Better View Of The Rising Moon, it was just a fun, upbeat record, and it was enjoyable. I'll have to give this a few more listens before I decide which one is better.

dude, i love A Better View... i'm definitely picking this up ASAP.

[Sneak Peek]

people need to give this CD more then just one listen before they write it off, it gets better every time you listen. I've grown to love it, a lottttt.

i think Zechariah’s Song is the best song. the end with all 3 singers singing different parts is the best

[nerdvglc]

nice review. i liked the debut a LOT, so i guess i had high expectations for on the run. i didn't like it as much as i wanted to, but maybe i didn't give it a fair shake. i'll give it another few go's, to sway me i guess. i liked them a little more fun, but maybe i need to give this another chance. thanks drew.

[Chriztophe]

This Album is PERFECT, This band has written an entire album, any track 1-11 is absolutely polished, layered, and formatted for radio airplay. The energy that I personally know these guys are capable of live is fully present on this album, "On The Run". Of course the sing of Love in its many forms, But these guys have nothing in their life they don't want to share. Caleb's brand new baby girl, Lily, gets a song from daddy titled, "January 19th" where he sings "I'm living for somebody else now." aluding to her. We can see that these six hippy kids know when it's time to grow up. But maturity isn't always the death of a good time. "Winds of Change" is a song about loving the road, and remembering everything that put you in that little sweaty van with a broken window in the first place. The original memebers continue to shine the way they did on last year's "... A Better View Of The Rising Moon.", and new members show that they are 100% elemental for the sound that is 1997.

The newest member Cody Joesephen (Guitar, Harmonica), Brings his roots in the world of Folk music and cross them with the ever present vibe of pre-emo bands with angular guitar riffs like Mineral,Texas is the reason, and Jawbreaker. Cody stands proudly and assures the others, E-Bow in hand, that there shall never be a dull moment musically. What he does on stage is something to be seen for certain, if you are anywhere in the venue, he'll be sure to do his best to invite you in on the fun.

Alida Marroni (Keys, Vocals) Will no doubt have tongues wagging, and not simply based on her breath-stealing looks, but this girl really has the chops! her approach to the keys is original and makes for a more full sounding sonic attack, as opposed to adding a childish vibe as many playing the faux-ivorys. Then we come to what she brings with her voice. The original female member Kerri Thomas was by no means bad, nor was she dismissable. Kerri came off like a Hayley Williams (paramore) power singer, where Alida is the classically-trained version of Monique Powell (save ferris). Just play track 6 let her deliver the last line in the chorus of "I Will Always Find You" I'll bet my life savings every boy in the room is sweating.She is so dynamic, though, she can easily decide she wants to sing harmony under the radar and totally do sometimes you'd think she were another one of the many instruments at the bands disposal.

Kevin Thomas, and Caleb Pepp come off as brothers the way they you have to listen twice sometimes to be sure which it is singing your favorite line. Caleb has the most ridiculous diaphragm. the level of sound that leaves this mans mouth seems like a parlor trick It's truly Guinness-worthy (the record book, not the beer... he only just turned 21). Also his songwriting, and guitar playing are awe-inspiring to say the very least. Kevin is the one every girl will try and sneak away with. He's got a boyish charm which he wields like a weapon on the battlefield. He's mastered a way to inject the lyrics he sings directly into your heart. He seems pretty docile until the stage lights are on him. You think he's gonna put that tambourine right through his hand. Or how about the time he launched the mic stand into the air and let Cody catch it... WITH HIS FOREHEAD. This kind of intensity can easily be picked up on the album. Kevin is the perfect front-man for this band, He is always doing something amazing, but never while fighting for the limelight. "4 am conversation" probably showcases him the best, other than, of course, his perfect ear for backing harmonies. When you mix in Alida to balance it all, you really can't possibly get bored with this album. The three of them write, play, and sing so perfectly together you know it is truly meant for them to be on the same album, it's like a stacked sports team, one you're always rooting for.

1997 has a rhythm section that works very hard. Nick Coleman, and Alan Gofinski will never be written off as simply an anchor, if anything I'd give them the role of the sails. "A Dream of form in Days of thought" is a song that opens with an ambient mood that many drummers would rely on simply clicking the hi-hat to keep time. Nick proudly lays down a fully appropriate rhythm that not only serves the purpose but actually sometimes steals the show for a bit. Alan isn't an average bassist either, He's actually not an average anything, this man in addition to many melodically walking and powerfully pulsing bass lines, he also contributes singing saw, digital programming and probably the most outrageous live show you'll ever get to see.


So basically, this CD will be the one I rank every thing else on. Lots of sing alongs, lots of smart instrumentation, lots of different influences and sounds culminate to produce my #1 favorite album to date. I give Nineteen Ninety Seven's second Victory Records' Release On a scale from 1-10, a 1997... duh!

Chriztophe

[daaana]

reccomended if you like ?

[doritoz]

NICER DICER songs on myspace. Must hear 4 am as everyone says it rules.

[theredtree]

wow this cd was a dissapointment to me.. i liked the old stuff a lot better

[kigginsthisprov]

At first when I listened to it, I wasn't liking it. But now it has grown on me, and I can't stop playing it!

[Sandie-Jenkins]

reccomended if you like ?


thats the beauty of 1997.

[Sandie-Jenkins]

This Album is PERFECT, This band has written an entire album, any track 1-11 is absolutely polished, layered, and formatted for radio airplay. The energy that I personally know these guys are capable of live is fully present on this album, "On The Run". Of course the sing of Love in its many forms, But these guys have nothing in their life they don't want to share. Caleb's brand new baby girl, Lily, gets a song from daddy titled, "January 19th" where he sings "I'm living for somebody else now." aluding to her. We can see that these six hippy kids know when it's time to grow up. But maturity isn't always the death of a good time. "Winds of Change" is a song about loving the road, and remembering everything that put you in that little sweaty van with a broken window in the first place. The original memebers continue to shine the way they did on last year's "... A Better View Of The Rising Moon.", and new members show that they are 100% elemental for the sound that is 1997.

The newest member Cody Joesephen (Guitar, Harmonica), Brings his roots in the world of Folk music and cross them with the ever present vibe of pre-emo bands with angular guitar riffs like Mineral,Texas is the reason, and Jawbreaker. Cody stands proudly and assures the others, E-Bow in hand, that there shall never be a dull moment musically. What he does on stage is something to be seen for certain, if you are anywhere in the venue, he'll be sure to do his best to invite you in on the fun.

Alida Marroni (Keys, Vocals) Will no doubt have tongues wagging, and not simply based on her breath-stealing looks, but this girl really has the chops! her approach to the keys is original and makes for a more full sounding sonic attack, as opposed to adding a childish vibe as many playing the faux-ivorys. Then we come to what she brings with her voice. The original female member Kerri Thomas was by no means bad, nor was she dismissable. Kerri came off like a Hayley Williams (paramore) power singer, where Alida is the classically-trained version of Monique Powell (save ferris). Just play track 6 let her deliver the last line in the chorus of "I Will Always Find You" I'll bet my life savings every boy in the room is sweating.She is so dynamic, though, she can easily decide she wants to sing harmony under the radar and totally do sometimes you'd think she were another one of the many instruments at the bands disposal.

Kevin Thomas, and Caleb Pepp come off as brothers the way they you have to listen twice sometimes to be sure which it is singing your favorite line. Caleb has the most ridiculous diaphragm. the level of sound that leaves this mans mouth seems like a parlor trick It's truly Guinness-worthy (the record book, not the beer... he only just turned 21). Also his songwriting, and guitar playing are awe-inspiring to say the very least. Kevin is the one every girl will try and sneak away with. He's got a boyish charm which he wields like a weapon on the battlefield. He's mastered a way to inject the lyrics he sings directly into your heart. He seems pretty docile until the stage lights are on him. You think he's gonna put that tambourine right through his hand. Or how about the time he launched the mic stand into the air and let Cody catch it... WITH HIS FOREHEAD. This kind of intensity can easily be picked up on the album. Kevin is the perfect front-man for this band, He is always doing something amazing, but never while fighting for the limelight. "4 am conversation" probably showcases him the best, other than, of course, his perfect ear for backing harmonies. When you mix in Alida to balance it all, you really can't possibly get bored with this album. The three of them write, play, and sing so perfectly together you know it is truly meant for them to be on the same album, it's like a stacked sports team, one you're always rooting for.

1997 has a rhythm section that works very hard. Nick Coleman, and Alan Gofinski will never be written off as simply an anchor, if anything I'd give them the role of the sails. "A Dream of form in Days of thought" is a song that opens with an ambient mood that many drummers would rely on simply clicking the hi-hat to keep time. Nick proudly lays down a fully appropriate rhythm that not only serves the purpose but actually sometimes steals the show for a bit. Alan isn't an average bassist either, He's actually not an average anything, this man in addition to many melodically walking and powerfully pulsing bass lines, he also contributes singing saw, digital programming and probably the most outrageous live show you'll ever get to see.


So basically, this CD will be the one I rank every thing else on. Lots of sing alongs, lots of smart instrumentation, lots of different influences and sounds culminate to produce my #1 favorite album to date. I give Nineteen Ninety Seven's second Victory Records' Release On a scale from 1-10, a 1997... duh!

Chriztophe

i read that whole thing and i agreee 100% with everything you said on this.

[ffadam]

This Album is PERFECT, This band has written an entire album, any track 1-11 is absolutely polished, layered, and formatted for radio airplay. The energy that I personally know these guys are capable of live is fully present on this album, "On The Run". Of course the sing of Love in its many forms, But these guys have nothing in their life they don't want to share. Caleb's brand new baby girl, Lily, gets a song from daddy titled, "January 19th" where he sings "I'm living for somebody else now." aluding to her. We can see that these six hippy kids know when it's time to grow up. But maturity isn't always the death of a good time. "Winds of Change" is a song about loving the road, and remembering everything that put you in that little sweaty van with a broken window in the first place. The original memebers continue to shine the way they did on last year's "... A Better View Of The Rising Moon.", and new members show that they are 100% elemental for the sound that is 1997.

The newest member Cody Joesephen (Guitar, Harmonica), Brings his roots in the world of Folk music and cross them with the ever present vibe of pre-emo bands with angular guitar riffs like Mineral,Texas is the reason, and Jawbreaker. Cody stands proudly and assures the others, E-Bow in hand, that there shall never be a dull moment musically. What he does on stage is something to be seen for certain, if you are anywhere in the venue, he'll be sure to do his best to invite you in on the fun.

Alida Marroni (Keys, Vocals) Will no doubt have tongues wagging, and not simply based on her breath-stealing looks, but this girl really has the chops! her approach to the keys is original and makes for a more full sounding sonic attack, as opposed to adding a childish vibe as many playing the faux-ivorys. Then we come to what she brings with her voice. The original female member Kerri Thomas was by no means bad, nor was she dismissable. Kerri came off like a Hayley Williams (paramore) power singer, where Alida is the classically-trained version of Monique Powell (save ferris). Just play track 6 let her deliver the last line in the chorus of "I Will Always Find You" I'll bet my life savings every boy in the room is sweating.She is so dynamic, though, she can easily decide she wants to sing harmony under the radar and totally do sometimes you'd think she were another one of the many instruments at the bands disposal.

Kevin Thomas, and Caleb Pepp come off as brothers the way they you have to listen twice sometimes to be sure which it is singing your favorite line. Caleb has the most ridiculous diaphragm. the level of sound that leaves this mans mouth seems like a parlor trick It's truly Guinness-worthy (the record book, not the beer... he only just turned 21). Also his songwriting, and guitar playing are awe-inspiring to say the very least. Kevin is the one every girl will try and sneak away with. He's got a boyish charm which he wields like a weapon on the battlefield. He's mastered a way to inject the lyrics he sings directly into your heart. He seems pretty docile until the stage lights are on him. You think he's gonna put that tambourine right through his hand. Or how about the time he launched the mic stand into the air and let Cody catch it... WITH HIS FOREHEAD. This kind of intensity can easily be picked up on the album. Kevin is the perfect front-man for this band, He is always doing something amazing, but never while fighting for the limelight. "4 am conversation" probably showcases him the best, other than, of course, his perfect ear for backing harmonies. When you mix in Alida to balance it all, you really can't possibly get bored with this album. The three of them write, play, and sing so perfectly together you know it is truly meant for them to be on the same album, it's like a stacked sports team, one you're always rooting for.

1997 has a rhythm section that works very hard. Nick Coleman, and Alan Gofinski will never be written off as simply an anchor, if anything I'd give them the role of the sails. "A Dream of form in Days of thought" is a song that opens with an ambient mood that many drummers would rely on simply clicking the hi-hat to keep time. Nick proudly lays down a fully appropriate rhythm that not only serves the purpose but actually sometimes steals the show for a bit. Alan isn't an average bassist either, He's actually not an average anything, this man in addition to many melodically walking and powerfully pulsing bass lines, he also contributes singing saw, digital programming and probably the most outrageous live show you'll ever get to see.


So basically, this CD will be the one I rank every thing else on. Lots of sing alongs, lots of smart instrumentation, lots of different influences and sounds culminate to produce my #1 favorite album to date. I give Nineteen Ninety Seven's second Victory Records' Release On a scale from 1-10, a 1997... duh!

Chriztophe

I agree with this except I can't really tell when it is Caleb or Kevin but they both have amazing voices. This album is really something else.

[furey]

props for the good review. gave me an idea of what i would expect for this album. can't wait to give it a listen

[Goat01]

I still listen to this on a daily basis.
I love this record.
I love this band.
Great album.

[thechetearly]

wow this cd was a dissapointment to me.. i liked the old stuff a lot better
tu no likee progression friend

[thechetearly]

reccomended if you like ?
good music.

for sure good music.