Album review: MY FAVOURITE RUNNER UP – Crossroads

Self-release [Release date – 17.02.14]

South Wales for some reason is a bit of a hot bed for young pop punk bands and My Favourite Runner Up are another name to add to the list. The band, I suspect, have the back catalogue of Jimmy Eat World in their possession and give it a listen on a regular basis.

Taking their cues from Arizona’s finest, the band toss out short, sharp pop punk songs which are scream along anthems with a sunny disposition. ‘Light A Fire’, ‘No More Fighting’ and ‘Your Own Worst Enemy’ are all prime examples of bouncy throwaway rock songs, there may be a message in the lyrics somewhere but it is of little consequence.

‘Love Comes First’ comes closest to a Jimmy Eat World track with a staccato guitar riff and a big chorus. The track ‘Poison’ moves into Panic! At The Disco territory, again another number that is catchier than a bout of the flu. Just to add balance the guys take it down a peg or two for the acoustic ‘Better Without You’ which is the token ‘unlucky in love’ tune so favoured by the pop punk fraternity, good song though.

My Favourite Runner Up may wear their influences on their collective sleeves but they pay homage with an infectious style and panache. There is nothing here that you can’t get elsewhere but it is all good fun and provides an escape from the drudgery of the everyday grind and we all need that from time to time. ***1/2

Review by David Wilson

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)