Morning Runner - Wilderness is Paradise Now

A moaning singer and a grand piano, it would be easy to describe this quartet as a slightly more upbeat Keane, but they are so much more than that. This piano changes mood like it has multiple personalities. It begins with bombastic rocky intentions, only to become all tearful and smooth. In tandem, singer Matt shifts from sounding furious and stumbling over his words to appearing almost crooner-like. Having signed a record deal in 2004, Morning Runner already sound very tight and comfortable as professional musicians. Although these occasionally cheerful tunes mask somewhat dark lyrics, it is here where they are at their best, while they elicit the dirtiest of explosions from that grand piano. [Marie Lindstrom]