Album Review :
Reliance - Running

By in Reviews | 13 Comments

Label: Thumper Punk Records
Release Date: May 27, 2020

Tracklisting:

  1. Helpless
  2. Hard Times
  3. 70×7
  4. Out of Hand
  5. Life or Death
  6. Stand Tall
  7. Against All Odds
  8. Running

Two Years in the making, Prescott, AZ’s own Spirit Filled Skate Punk act, Reliance, have returned with an 8 song release full of scripture based anthemic sing alongs! FFO: Pennywise, Millencolin, Lagwagon, and other 90’s era skate punk

Those who know Reliance’s music will not be let down. They follow the same formula as in their 2 prior releases “Crashing Down” and “Redemption”.

“Running” starts of with “Helpless” which just comes at you and revs you up to get you geeked for the musical journey you are about to embark on! Mixing fast punk with a little bit of hardcore makes this ever so pleasurable.

The album then shifts gears with “Hard Times” and “70×7” which are both great anthemic songs. “Hard Times” can be relative to the current times reminding us that with Christ we will get through the hard times. “70×7” is of course relative and based off Matthew 18:22.

“Out of Hand” picks the pace back up along the same tempo as “Helpless”. This is good measure as it tends to keep the listener interested and prevents the ever so common mesh that can tend to occur.

“Life or Death”, “Stand Tall”, and “Against All Odds” are 3 more anthemic sing alongs similar to “Hard Times” and “70×7”.

“Life or Death” seems to be based on Colossians chapter 3 as verse 2 is also stated in the chorus: “Whoa, this is life or death. Whoa, set your mind on things above. Whoa, this is life or death. Whoa, we live for eternity.” My personal favorite line of this song is “We set our hearts on Revelation 21 verse 4!”

“Stand Tall” is based on James 4:14 reminding us that “Life is just a vapor” and that “We’ve gotta stand tall” and “Make the most of every day.”

“Against All Odds” seems to be based on Hebrews 11 stating “Look beyond what you can see, put your faith in the unseen.” With these words Reliance is reminding us to as stated in the chorus “We’ll never give up. Against all odds embrace the truth.” The truth being Christ.

“Running” is the final track on this album and ends with just as much ferocity as the album began! This song seems to take inspiration from Psalm 55:22 with the chorus “Whoa, my friend there ain’t nothing you can do with all your pain, but let go. Whoa, my friend let Him show you what you’re really made of.”

Overall I personally would’ve liked this release to have had some more fast tempo songs as I’m spastic like that. The anthemic sing alongs totally make up for this though. I mean, who doesn’t like a good sing along?! Once the current situation calms and concerts start up again, it will definitely be a blast to be shouting along.

“Running” is currently available for streaming and digital download via the Thumper Punk Records’ bandcamp page.

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Albert padilla
Guest
Albert padilla
May 30, 2020 6:07 pm

This is Albert of Reliance, i just wanted to say how much i appreciate everyone’s time listening and sharing and from what im hearing enjoying our new record. God is doing amazing things and im so blessed and stoked to be apart of it !!!! David from Thumper Punk Records and all of our rad supporters have been so amazing and great to me and the Relinace Family!!! Thx again , keep listening!! Blessings!!

Joramp
Guest
Joramp
May 28, 2020 1:44 am

I like this very much! Although the energy of the first track made my eyes pop, no other track did that for me the rest of the album…I think they really have something going with the fast short hardcorish sound of ‘Helpless’. Love it that the last track forfills the same energy again; maybe that’ s a good balance afterall. And love the lyrics, really fruitfull! I’m a big fan of silent time meets punk rock haha.

Joramp
Guest
Joramp
May 28, 2020 8:06 am
Reply to  Marco Leal

I totally agree that these tracks are getting better and better after some repeats; 7×70 is insane! And the fact that they are this good after a relative short running is very promesing. Their skatepunk sound is as good as the headliners of the scene, and the clearity of their believe and use of scripture is very special. As a younger boy I already praised God through Dogwood songs haha; we’re blessed as christian punks with this band. Still love Helpless very much, but today I fell in love with each track. Sidenote: my pastor loves the band. Yes that’s… Read more »

Joramp
Guest
Joramp
May 28, 2020 2:27 pm
Reply to  Marco Leal

Yeah I’m following indievisionmusic for a while now, I bought some cassettes last year. I was so excited when I discovered Friends and Family sampler vol1…checking the website every day since then.

Brandon J.
Admin
May 30, 2020 9:32 am
Reply to  Joramp

Thank you Joramp for the support and for checking out the site/bands. It’s a pleasure having you here as part of the IVM family 🙂

Kavin
Guest
Kavin
May 28, 2020 12:25 pm

Loving this! Love this band. Great review, Marco!

David @ TPR
Guest
May 30, 2020 11:46 am

Thanks for the review!

Stephen Young
Member
July 16, 2020 2:57 pm

I wanna grab it. Does it still have the pennywise vibe ?

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