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Local pop-punk outfit 1997, a Victory Records highlight, returns with its sophomore record “On the Run,” a quick comeback after last year’s “A Better View of the Rising Moon” debut. While the band’s first record showed signs of surprising, if limited, promise, the new record doesn’t quite reach its predecessor’s heights, though it does show a bit of growth and, perhaps, a better band chemistry (there was a line-up switch between records). It’s the songs themselves that disappoint, and, unfortunately, that’s the most important part. I can go the rest of my life without having to hear another song about a relationship sung from both the male and female perspective with dueling male and female vocals crooning their respective parts, like on the tiresome “4am Conversation.” Also, the unnecessary harmonica tacked on to the end of the record comes off as showy and too cute. It’s there for the sake of just being there. Regardless, there’s still promise—most bands like this, by the time their second record hits, become so god-awfully unbearable you’d rather eat the harmonica. There’s a really good record ready to be made by 1997, we’ll just have to wait a bit longer for it. The energetic live shows will help pass the time. (Tom Lynch)
Thursday, June 5 at Reggies Rock Club
