Punknews.org LogoPunknews.org

Sign In | create an account

 
Staff IconLongdistancerunner - Competition of Martyrs (Cover Artwork)

Longdistancerunner

Competition of Martyrs (2005)
self-released

Reviewer Rating:


Contributed by: Anchors
(
others by this writer | submit your own
)


Published on March 10th 2006


Many were impressed with the 2005 effort of Holy Roman Empire, coming from a rich pedigree that included Shai Hulud, the Hope Conspiracy, and Rise Against. The band that was not mentioned in that pedigree is the short-lived Chicago five-piece Longdistancerunner, which is where vocalist Emily Schambra first made her talents known.

And really, Longdistancerunner doesn’t sound all that far off from Holy Roman Empire. In both bands, Schambra’s booming vocal chords propel the frantic punk backbone. She’s capable of taking the entire weight of a band, and each and every song putting it square on her shoulders, and running with it. Even in her more reserved moments, you can feel the pent up power that’s just itching for that chance to be unleashed.

While it’s not an issue with Holy Roman Empire, some of these songs do face some instrumental issues. Not in the sense that the members lack talent or the ability to make some cohesive song structures, only in that with a voice as powerful as they have at the helm, there has to be some real solid music to back it up. While it’s decent, it’s never anything remembered after the album, or even the individual song is over. Schambra’s voice is just such a beacon of sound and power that everything else sounds weak just by comparison.

The first half of the record is solid, but it’s not until track seven, “Still Shot Romance,” where the band truly hits their stride, and breaks into being something special. The tight rhythms and splashing on the cymbals provide a great background for the soaring vocals, and the track after, “Asphyxiation,” keeps up with more of the same. The relatively demure beginning quickly gives way to some louder guitars and even louder vocals than before, staying engaging and invigorating all the way through. Even the guitar work at the end of the song really impresses, not only in speed but interplay between the guitarists, seemingly dueling back and forth. The band could have picked a stronger track to close the album than the aptly named “Exit,” but it’s a minor blemish on what’s an otherwise clear record.

It’s interesting to hear where Schambra came from, and it’s quite evident that her immense talent didn’t come out of nowhere. Holy Roman Empire feel like a more complete band, but you won’t be kicking yourself by checking this out.




Please login or register to post comments.
What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
  • Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
  • Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
  • Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
  • Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.
    boba_fett (March 13, 2006)

    any relation to homestarruner?

    GreenVandal (March 12, 2006)

    if i stop to catch my breath i might catch a piece of death

    I

    Anonymous (March 11, 2006)

    Being a runner myself, I was thinking of naming a band this. Obviously that idea is out the window but I am gonna have to check this out just to see who was more clever than I.

    Fatpik

    Anonymous (March 10, 2006)

    Itsuckstryingtoreadlong runonbandnamesandhaveattentiondefecitdisorder.

    ---Trav.

    Anonymous (March 10, 2006)

    Easily one of my favourite Chicago bands in recent history.

    And "Burn" is such a rad song.

    Anonymous (March 10, 2006)

    Your neighbor is in a good band.

    darkstarm (March 10, 2006)

    Said it once and I'll say it again: this chick is my neighbor.

    Anonymous (March 10, 2006)

    More importantly, did these guys get their name from a Fugazi track of the same name?

    colin (March 10, 2006)

    cover is very planes mistaken for stars and that's a pretty nice little review. never heard of holy roman empire or this, but i'll check 'em both out. female vocals are always good.

    Features

    Exclusive Streams

    Newest Reviews

    Punknews.org Team

    Managing Editor

    Adam White

    News Editors

    Kira Wisniewski
    Brittany Strummer
    Andrew Waterfield
    Katy Hardy
    Matthew Baldwin
    Armando Olivas
    John Flynn

    Video Editor

    Chris Moran

    Social Media Editor

    Justin August

    Copy Editor

    Amelia Cline

    Reviews Editor

    Joe Pelone

    Interviews Editor

    Richard Verducci

    Publisher

    Aubin Paul

    ISSN 1710-5366



    © Copyright 1999-2012 Punknews.org



    Other Places to Go

    Punknews.org Flickr Pool