Middle Distance Runner

As I listen to Middle Distance Runner's "Plane in Flames" searching for the usual comparisons that reviewers like to make, I'm coming up empty. And that is what makes Middle Distance Runner one of D.C.'s most exciting bands. Though not openly derivative of any one band or style, "Plane in Flames" is simultaneously familiar and provocative. It is extremely difficult to write succinct and interesting pop songs, but MDR accomplishes it with flying colors on "Man of the People" and "Shoot the Shit," both of which clock in under the three-minute mark. But the best songs here are the most innovative–the blip synth opening of "Hooks" is deceptive of its crushingly beautiful second half, making it the album's stand out track. This is undoubtedly one of the best records I have heard this year, local or otherwise. - Chris Connelly

Middle Distance Runner’s first full length album may be entitled Plane in Flames, but their fusion of upbeat drum patterns, catchy guitar riffs, and haunting vocals from front man Stephen Kilroy do anything but crash and burn.

“Naturally” has a solid hook that leads the listener in with its addicting, cleverly written pessimistic lyrics and rhythmic hand clapping. Surprisingly, the rest of the album veers away from the direction of this pop sound, with more experimental tracks like “Out of Here” and “The Madness” that demonstrate their (frequently mentioned) Radiohead influence, especially in the Thom Yorke-ish vocals. But it’s not all ambient brooding, as a variety of styles stand out on the disc, including a very Hives-sounding “Man of the People” and several songs that could be mistaken for a more subdued White Stripes. There’s a continuing transition from softer melancholic moments to faster paced guitar driven melodies. It may take a few listens to get used to, but it ultimately works well, creating a style and identity all the band's own. Where other new artists have failed, MDR has succeeded in developing a uniquely diverse collection of songs, which rather than classify them as amateurish and unfocused, exhibit a local talent that has emerged from the rest of the pack.
- Chris Snyder

Bands hoping to make a name for themselves could look to local quintet Middle Distance Runner for some tips. The group has made its music readily available -- leaving free CDs at Iota, handing them out after shows at the 9:30 club -- and it seems to be paying off. The group has packed them in at recent gigs and another sellout tonight at Iota wouldn't be much of a surprise. MDR's sound clearly draws on mid-'90s British rock -- think pre-OK Computer Radiohead, Blur, Oasis -- and exudes a confidence and professionalism that many young bands lack. Maybe that's why they are so eager to get their music into people's hands. - David Malitz

Forget those Olympic athletes showboating in the mountains. We're awarding a Gold Medal to the inspiring rockletes of MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNER. Stephen Kilroy (vocals/guitar/keys), Erik Dean (drums), Allan Chappelear (guitar/keys), Jay Smith (guitar), and Ian Glinka (bass) have created the new now sound. Songs such as "Man of the People," "Up in a Tree," and "Shoot the Shit" bring honor and glory to our nation. - Washington City Paper

Bands hoping to make a name for themselves could look to local quintet Middle Distance Runner for some tips. The group has made its music readily available -- leaving free CDs at Iota, handing them out after shows at the 9:30 club -- and it seems to be paying off. The group has packed them in at recent gigs and another sellout tonight at Iota wouldn't be much of a surprise. MDR's sound clearly draws on mid-'90s British rock -- think pre-OK Computer Radiohead, Blur, Oasis -- and exudes a confidence and professionalism that many young bands lack. Maybe that's why they are so eager to get their music into people's hands. - David Malitz

What is so remarkable about Middle Distance Runner is the maturity that their songs possess, especially given the fact that the majority of them are younger than 24. In putting together their first poper record, this DC based band invokes the best of Radiohead, U2, Doves, and other, but remains a unique voice unto itself. Vocall, Stephen Kilroy is dead on, commanding a soaring tenor armed with sophisticated, thoughtful lyrics. But he is carried by the band's masterful arrangements; MDR's best characteristic is their ability to write ini the best interest of the song, resulting in tunes that are dynamic and confident. MDR is a band making some seriously powerful music - it will be amazing to see what they do as they contunue to grow as musicians and people. - Chris Connelly

What is so remarkable about Middle Distance Runner is the maturity that their songs possess, especially given the fact that the majority of them are younger than 24. In putting together their first poper record, this DC based band invokes the best of Radiohead, U2, Doves, and other, but remains a unique voice unto itself. Vocall, Stephen Kilroy is dead on, commanding a soaring tenor armed with sophisticated, thoughtful lyrics. But he is carried by the band's masterful arrangements; MDR's best characteristic is their ability to write ini the best interest of the song, resulting in tunes that are dynamic and confident. MDR is a band making some seriously powerful music - it will be amazing to see what they do as they contunue to grow as musicians and people. - Chris Connelly

"With a growing regional fan-base and a name that’s beginning to be heard across the country, Middle Distance Runner could be on the verge of something big." - Band of the Week: Middle Distance Runner

"With a growing regional fan-base and a name that’s beginning to be heard across the country, Middle Distance Runner could be on the verge of something big." - Band of the Week: Middle Distance Runner

"These insanely catchy rockers are [Washington DC's] pick-to-click for mainstream success." - SPIN Magazine - The SPIN 101 Best Nights Out This Month

"These insanely catchy rockers are [Washington DC's] pick-to-click for mainstream success." - SPIN Magazine - The SPIN 101 Best Nights Out This Month

"Middle Distance Runner goes out of its way to flex its muscles and display some diversity, with "Man of the People" tossing in some Hives-like garage rock, "Shoot the Shit" cribs a little Soundtrack of Our Lives, "Hooks" comes over as a blippy-to-anthemic Postal Service nod, while "That's a Lie" ends things on a Jesus and Mary Chain wall of guitars. But one of the most impressive aspects of this disc is that it's a self-produced affair. Erik Dean does a surprisingly good job of mixing this disc to highlight the songs' various strengths, and the whole affair is surprisingly confident and well-structured for a personally realized project. Ultimately, Plane in Flames is a strong debut from "a band that proves it has the chops, if not quite yet the distinctive identity, to be a great indie rock band." - PopMatters.com - Short Takes

"Middle Distance Runner goes out of its way to flex its muscles and display some diversity, with "Man of the People" tossing in some Hives-like garage rock, "Shoot the Shit" cribs a little Soundtrack of Our Lives, "Hooks" comes over as a blippy-to-anthemic Postal Service nod, while "That's a Lie" ends things on a Jesus and Mary Chain wall of guitars. But one of the most impressive aspects of this disc is that it's a self-produced affair. Erik Dean does a surprisingly good job of mixing this disc to highlight the songs' various strengths, and the whole affair is surprisingly confident and well-structured for a personally realized project. Ultimately, Plane in Flames is a strong debut from "a band that proves it has the chops, if not quite yet the distinctive identity, to be a great indie rock band." - PopMatters.com - Short Takes

"The five-piece has put together 10 tracks that sound like a band in command of its sound rather than the other way around. MDR mixes influences - some subtle, some not so subtle - in ways that sound familiar and novel at the same time." - David Smith

"The five-piece has put together 10 tracks that sound like a band in command of its sound rather than the other way around. MDR mixes influences - some subtle, some not so subtle - in ways that sound familiar and novel at the same time." - David Smith

"If you like OK Go, Franz Ferdinand, good times ... Try Middle Distance Runner, a band from DC that specializes in feel-good pop music. I feel like they're one song on The OC away from the big time, so hurry up and hear their latest disc, Plane in Flames. Song to hear first: Naturally" - Whitney Matheson - Pop Candy

"If you like OK Go, Franz Ferdinand, good times ... Try Middle Distance Runner, a band from DC that specializes in feel-good pop music. I feel like they're one song on The OC away from the big time, so hurry up and hear their latest disc, Plane in Flames. Song to hear first: Naturally" - Whitney Matheson - Pop Candy