I’m not the world’s biggest fan of California, but I have to give the state credit for Run River North. The 5-piece band, that comes from the state, is like Cage the Elephant’s cooler, more relaxed cousin who probably played in the school orchestra growing up. The band, plus a drummer, combines vocals, guitar, bass, keys, and violin into ethereal indie rock songs that somehow get you to jam out and meditate all at once. They play the kind of music that fits in equally as well at a house party as it would in a post-breakup crying session or even on Teen Wolf (check out season 6, episode 8 to hear “Winter Wind”). They have a song for every occasion and a constantly shifting sound that draws from multiple influences and emotions. (Source: Sierra Brown) Live, they create a sort of trance. Songs like “Superstition” and “Casino” draw the crowd in, but slower songs like “Run or Hide” and “Banner” bring out very real emotions. Though their music could speak for itself, the band doesn’t let it. Alex, the lead vocalist and songwriter, is hilarious. He introduced himself as Steve Aoki (the resemblance is actually uncanny), discussed his hair care (he recently switched from Pantene Pro-V to Dove), and confessed to the audience that he couldn’t actually play guitar (jokingly, of course). He also got refreshingly honest, speaking about the relationship that the band members share and how one member recently leaving has affected all of them. Having 6 musicians on the stage at once can seem a little overwhelming, but Run River North makes it work. They respect each other and work together in a way that allows them to be seen as a whole instead of as individual parts. (Source: Sierra Brown) Musically, the band has got it down. The vocals were fantastic. I grew up in a Western church, so I know and appreciate a good harmony when I hear one, and theirs were tight. The guitars and bass were well done, the keys were expertly played, and the violin was amazing. It added a haunting quality to their music and really worked to fill the room. The drums were amazing, as well, and helped bring every element together. The drummer, filling in for the member they recently lost, had to learn all of their songs for tour. He delivered, and I would have never guessed that if Alex didn’t tell the crowd that he did. (Source: Sierra Brown) Before the show, I got to sit down with the and chat. While we were talking, the openers began soundchecking, so we moved outside to the front of the venue. It may be a little messy, but I love how real it is. Listen to our little adventure below! [audio m4a="http://kanm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Run-River-North.m4a"][/audio] (Source: Sierra Brown) Check out Run River North on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runrivernorth/ Twitter: @runrivernorth Instagram: @runrivernorth Photos and article by Sierra Brown.