Run Dan Run 'Normal'

Independent, 2012

Normal service resumed for Carolina Indie-Rockers

• The jogging one is a certain Dan McCurry; South Carolina singer and songwriter, who set up the trio as a recording project back in 2006 with Nick Jenkins and Ash Hopkins. Their self-released debut set ‘Basic Mechanics’ set them out as lyrically driven exponents of atmospheric alt-rock, and ‘Normal’ furthers the journey in some style.

• Lead single ‘Lovesick Animal’ ramps up its Arcade Fire-esque twists and turns with the addition of horns and a choir of whirling soul voices, turning McCurry’s introspective lament into a hectic uprising that just about stays on the rails. Moody standout ‘Cut-Outs’ sees them throwing stylish Cure shapes, before a dark buzzing chorus ups the ante.  Elsewhere ‘Anonymous Girl’ and ‘Box-type Love’ hint at The Postal Service’s electronic backdrops, but without letting up on the percussive rock propulsion, whilst ‘False-Hearted Lover’ may be their stadium indie lighter-waving ballad moment, if not their best tune.

  McCurry’s voice is a resigned murmur of impending defeat that often fits the subdued mood, though occasionally requires a touch more vigour to really ignite. His introspective narratives on confusion, love lost or never quite acquired in the first place are worthy of attention, though an ear to the speaker may be required occasionally to figure out exactly what he’s saying, which is sometimes shrouded in mystery and obscurity as it merges with the gathering sound behind him.

  The music on ‘Normal’ is richly textured, if not always instant, despite its initial charms of melody rhythm and atmosphere being accessible and pleasing. Repeated listening are certainly required before the works’ many layers reveal themselves.