With the Sabres already creating a buzz in Buffalo, the capacity level was limited in downtown Buffalo for any more energy. On March 9, The Runarounds pushed the envelope and lit up the stage at Electric City.
While the band started out as a casting call for the show Outer Banks, they managed to harness something special and a show on Amazon Prime evolved, albeit for just one season. Fast forward a few years, The Runarounds have evolved into a retro pop rock feel good story with a tour and fresh new music.
Walking up to Electric City, you can already feel the mood, as fans were lined up nearly 45 minutes before doors. Fans both young and old (by old, I mean mid-late 30s) were amped up for a night of singing and dancing along to the generational heart throbs.
Reving up the already packed house, were The Takes. Comprised of Phoebe Webb on bass, Sumner Rahr on vocals/guitar, and Guido Rahr on guitar, and Samuel Beilenson. The Takes don’t skimp on energy or organic themes. Quite the marvel, as these high school friends are only two years removed the classroom.
With only 30 minutes to play, the Portland, OR natives had to be sure their set was elite, and they made no mistakes, as they took Buffalo by the Sabretooth and took music fans for a wild ride. From Sumners smooth and fresh Folk Americana vocals to the ample accoutrements from supporting mates, Buffalo was treated to quite the opening act. To say the Electric City was living up to its name was quite the understatement on this night. Don’t sleep on The Takes. Uprooting Roses coming out May 1.
Setlist: Eleanor, Jamie, Desert Sun, River Stones, Dont Let Me Down, Take My Time
As the stage was reset over the next thirty minutes or so, you can see fans continue to fill every nook and cranny in the general admission floor area. Front to back was about thirty feet and maybe fifty from side to side. By nine o’clock, these “sardines” on the floor could barely turn around to say hi to their friends.
Starting promptly, “Cellophane”, “Sophia” and “15 Rootbeers” get the set started and fans waste no time in belting out the lyrics along with the band. Sounds that bring together the sounds of every boy band from the 70s to now. Young teens at the front of the barricade, running on Celsius and adrenaline, provide animated gestures with every verse.
First three songs are all from the show inspired by the band as they were on Outer Banks. Deep meanings abroad, “Cellophane” seemingly about a breakup from first love, “Sophia” portrays the vocalist dreading a crush heading off to college in the fall, and “15 Rootbeers” hints at dealing with internal demons of self-worth. The Runarounds on Amazon is those three songs in a nutshell. A young group of friends, with music as common link, dealing with the everyday life of high school students. From love to friendships, to living life, and friends moving on. Loosely reminiscent of The Heights in the early 90s, minus the high school aspect.
Moving through the set, and graciously thanking Buffalo for the hospitality, Will Lipton keeps the crowd on their toes with casual banter and just enough cursing to keep the kids excited but also maintain overall family friendly vibes.
Like most artists, The Runarounds mix in some covers to their sets and tonight was no different, as Lipton announced, “This one is for you, Buffalo” and rolled into the Killers “Brightside”, which has become a staple at Buffalo Bills games. For a second the venue sounded like a game with the sudden burst of cheers. After another original, Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” got the parents into the groove quite easily. A mother near me was singing and dancing with her son rolling his eyes every time mom sang directly at him. Get used it, kid. That is what moms do.
A younger group of musicians/actors, The Runarounds showed no mercy and no fear on the stage. Will Lipton on vocals/guitar, Jesse Golliher and Jeremy Yun on bass, Zende Murdock on drums, and Axel Ellis on Guitar all took their places with complete confidence.
You can call it pop rock, bubble gum pop, alt rock, or Americana. The genre doesn’t matter as these musicians can cover it all on any given night and fans will not be upset about it. The range that any of these kids can cover is second to none, and with the following they have created, it won’t matter as long as they keep on making music for the fans.
Fans can stream the newest album here The Runarounds
Setlist: Cellophane, Sophia, 15 Rootbeers, Ghosts, Beautiful Strangers, Arrhythmia, Bleachers, Minivan, Shoelaces, Mr. Brightside (The Killers cover), Hypocrites, Are You Gonna Be My Girl (Jet cover), Funny How the Universe Works, Jazz, Senior Year
Encore: Valerie, Downtown
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