Things You Hold True
Self-Released, 2024
10/10
Listen to Things You Hold True
A Philadelphia roots outfit spearheaded by the guitarist and singer Ryan Wells, Red Means Run bring us 10 sincere and memorable tracks that might bring to mind Johnny Cash and The Replacements.
The firm strumming of “Isn’t What I Wanted” starts the listen with Giacomo Vivanti’s warm keys and John Gulak’s thumping drums complementing the gritty-rock, and “The Other, Better Side Of Me” takes that lead into a dance floor energy thanks to the lively piano and Doug Corrigan’s animated upright bass.
The middle track brings us the powerful “Kill The Lights”, where Wells’ raw but tuneful voice suits the country tinted rock, while “Broken Down Heart” is an intimate moment of heartfelt singing and gentle acoustic guitar.
Further still, the dense burst of alt-country that is “Gone” is both rugged, tuneful and the album’s best, and “She” exits with a hint of dreaminess before building into a sturdy, Americana fueled rocker that instantly invites singing along.
Cash, Petty and Westerberg sure are names that might come to mind here, as Red Means Run pen a truly timeless version of modern roots that’s all substance and no filler.
Travels well with: Chuck Hawthorne- Fire Out Of Stone; Ryan David Green- Off And Running