Get ready to groove with another timeless rock & roll track brought to life by Run The River, featuring Joel Manchester on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Chris Furlotte on drums, Rick Couture on bass with fantastic backup vocals, Ed Legge on lead guitar and excellent backup vocals, and Ross Kinney on keys.
Out now, ‘Punch The Dark’ stands as an anthem for bad days. The track commences with a dramatic opening driven by piano and guitars, giving you that span of a second to wonder what the next instrumental twist will be – exactly where the cheerful melody with classic rock & roll elements gets all your attention.
With a chorus that screams “No, I’m not giving up this time”, ‘Punch The Dark’ is close to the heart for frontman Joel Manchester. “It is an anthem for bad days, difficult experiences, and insurmountable odds when you just need to sing out that things aren’t over yet”, explains the singer and songwriter.
Joel penned this song as a response to his own struggles with mental health, specifically battling through periods of depression and the weight of negative thoughts. He aimed to create a chorus that could serve as a remedy for those poisonous, pessimistic mindsets. The song’s theme contrasts with its overall feel—upbeat, positive, and bright.
‘Sometimes I can feel the earth spin
It’s like I’m barely holding on
I’m heading off into some kind of chaos
Any plans I had are dead and gone
It might be my last time around
But I’m not giving up without a fight
Sometimes you gotta show em what your made of
Punch the dark until you see the light’
It’s crafted in an energetic pop-rock style, featuring powerful guitar work and a determined, rhythmic heartbeat that underscores the message of resilience – a Run The River formula. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of musical influences, their sources of inspiration span the enduring legacy of Canadian rock icons The Tragically Hip, the timeless rock of Queen and The Beatles, and the rebellious spirit of 90s pop punk exemplified by bands like Blink 182 and Green Day.
Never shying away from experimenting with genres and letting that influence shine through, the band confesses to being obsessed with the writing process and rarely gets together without several new tunes in the works.
Frontman Joel Manchester infuses his music with raw emotion, believing it to be not only a form of expression but a tool for survival. He focuses on crafting simple yet powerful melodies that resonate instantly with listeners, complemented by the dynamic sounds of his bandmates. Drummer Chris Furlotte provides a steady rhythmic backbone, while Rick Couture’s masterful bass lines complete the solid foundation. Ed Legge adds a burst of colour and flavour with his lead guitar wizardry, and Ross Kinney’s expressive keys serve as the enchanting musical cherry on top.
Emphasizing contagious melodies, an unwavering commitment to excellence, and commanding vocal prowess, Run The River emerges as a dynamic force in the realm of Canadian rock bands. Their essence is rooted in a profound passion for sharing music and a collective desire to harmonize through the beautiful journey of life by pouring their hearts into their songs.
