Bobby Cheatham

With more promise than substance, this homegrown quintet takes a few lessons from like-minded indie outfits Cold War Kids and Tokyo Police Club. The winning ingredients are accounted for – strong vocalist/guitarist Arin Robinson (opener "Feel Anything"), post-rock dynamics ("House Call"), and even radio-ready single "Salt in the Wound" – but Distance Runner hasn't gone the extra mile with them. - Distance Runner

Let me set the tone for you. Cold weather, a poet that looks like Santa, two man snuggies, bad cancer/boy choir jokes, and not to mention some amazing music. How does that sound for a concert experience? I know.
Substratum had an unexpected surge of awesome- ness one night in Austin. And, no, this isn’t a typical “we got wasted in Austin” story. For once, in the history of Austin, it was actually just good, wholesome, awkward fun.
Our group honestly wanted to go see a show one night during our recent visit to that great city. However, due to lack of planning and foresight, we didn’t know who we would see. Having faith, we decided simply to go to Stubbs and check out someone local. Oh boy, was it fantastic.
We got to the venue an hour early and got to NERtalking to the members of the opening act, Distance Runner, while they were doing their sound check. These fellows have a great sense of humor and are really easy to talk to. We had what is called “good times.” What was even better times was when they started playing. They had a very great energy on stage. Their sound is sur- prisingly unique, too. After asking what their influences were, they answered Barry Manilow and Cannibal Corpse, but I think its safe to say that if you like Fleet Foxes and People in Planes, than you can dig Distance Runner as well. Their recent album is entitled, A Lesson in Gravity and they’re currently working on their next EP. Check them out on myspace.com/distancerunnerband. If you don’t, then you aren’t cool and a fat man that looks like Santa will come to your home and read EDGY poems. You can’t say that I didn’t warn you. - Substratum Magazine