running club

“..nine blasts of crunchy power pop…an unmistakably NZ album, a little bit shambolic around the edges, with a love of guitar pop turned up to eleven…the album understays its welcome. “

– Tony Stamp, The Sampler, RNZ 040323

“…a fascinating distillation of many of the elements from their previous lives but modified by their mutual association…..touches of South Island psychedelia which spins off from 1966 British guitar pop….its an intersection of a number of appealing styles which are all promising and warrant Running Club exploring further.”

-Graham Reid, Music from Elsewhere, 100323

“…bathing in warmth… a gripping listen, with surprising angular layers that reside harmoniously with its more ambient moments “

– Beautiful Things, Flying Nun newsletter, 100323

“…[a] Chrystalline pop delight ..” – Bruce Novak, No Wristbands 160523

#10 in Bruce’s Top 10 0f ’23, – Bruce Novak, No Wristbands 030124

easily -running club’s first single

“A solid melody and some noisy little tasty elements”

– Grant Smithies, nine to noon, RNZ, 240223

 

” A pure kiwi pop blast ‘

-Nonstop Pop, Seattle 030323

‘easily’ was rdu’s hit pick 130323

#5 rdu te ahi  top ten a bit later

 

running club are Steve Reay and Blair Parkes.

Their debut album beach glass was recorded in Auckland and New Brighton over Christmas and New Year, 2022 -23.

Steve might be best known for his time in Flying Nun krautrock legends The Subliminals and is currently making exciting long works with  Vor Stellen.

Blair is a solo artist with a long past, going back to 1980s Flying Nun band All Fall Down,
and the synth pop  of The  L.E. D. s  earlier this century.

Beach Glass’s beautifully crafted nine songs push vocals and melody off a base of noisy guitars, electro and slow moody synths. Lyrically, there’s optimism, pessimism and reflection.

It was a bit like running down a hill in the dark –  
not knowing where you’re gonna end up, not caring – but having fun, tripping up a bit,
gaining speed and momentum. Just trusting your luck and each other.

Steve’s in Auckland, and Blair’s in New Brighton.

They first met in Christchurch in 1991. As long-time friends they share a lot of common interests – vegetables, bread, the beach, slow running and music.

Like a lot of people who’ve been in bands,  Blair loves playing drums. When he was given some drums for Christmas , it was a really big deal. Steve suggested Blair send him some drum recordings.

After a couple of days of back and forth, they had some songs.
More songs happened over the next couple of weeks, with parts being added via email to Steve’s initial synth and rhythm ideas.

They didn’t really talk about where they were going with the songs, or what they were trying to do. The moment was seized and they just got stuck in.  A couple of weeks later they were done.

Over a short period, ‘Beach Glass’ creatively captures a musical friendship years in the making.