Run, Forever- The Devil, And Death, And Me.

Run, Forever is awesome. Indie folk-punk from Pittsburgh.  I didn't expect much out of them, but I was so incredibly wrong. They hit you hard emotionally, but keep you running through the strong music. With influence from Against Me, Titus Andronicus, and Desaparecidos (which is a bitch to type, by the way), they have a strong blues sound with a beautifully sad tone carrying over the album. The CD was made as a result of feelings of grieving their friend and bandmate Corey James Wolfram. Run, Forever shows what missing a friend would sound like, if it could sing. It also touches on social issues... Run, Forever did a great job with this album- it's very simple, it's not overpolished, and I really enjoy it. Oh, and the album art is really pretty.

The first song, "A Sequence Of Sad Events", is an addicting song that's a tribute to Corey, and talks about how hard it is to lose someone you love. The first thing I notice is that Anthony Heubel (vocalist) sounds a lot like Pat the Bunny- so awesome. The music is very fast and upbeat, contrasting to the topic of the song. The song proves that Run, Forever can write those strong punk riffs we love, without losing melody or getting boring. It's pretty cool. "For God Or Gold" easily has the most addicting melody on the album, and the end is so fucking driving and powerful.  "When It Won't Leave" is a goddamn gorgeous song. Anthony Heubel is obviously very, very talented at guitar. "No Truth" is very intense too. The band shows their blues skills in "The Great Illusion." "10,000 Leagues" is also an awesomely gritty, bluesy song with a super cool outro. Run, Forever has such a pure sound. It's like naturally polished- they sound so great. They're all very talented musicians. Do you guys remember in grade school learning to "show, not tell" what you're trying to say? I never thought I'd say this, but they do a great job of showing how they feel not only in awesome lyrics, but in the way they play their instruments. It's a fantastic sound that you have to check out. 

As far as lyrics go, "Graves" has the best. 

"The Devil, And Death, And Me" is an amazing song that I can really connect to after this past year. It's powerful lyrics and driving sound really hits me hard, and I have a feeling that it will be helping me a lot through some stuff this year.

Run, Forever has passion, talent, a DIY ethic we can all admire, and made a great album. Listen to it. 

Check them out.

Idle and the Bear sends all the condolences, love, and friendship that they possibly can to Anthony, Cassie, and Brandon for their loss. It's always terrible to lose a friend, and it's heartbreaking to hear that a wonderful musician left the world. Rest in Peace Corey. 

-Bear