The music that Run_Return makes is a very even split between instrumental post-rock and electronic IDM. Just from listening, it’s very difficult to pick whether they are an instrumental band utilising electronics or an electronic band experimenting with real instruments, so evenly do they use the two, and this is one of their key strengths. The album itself was originally self-released on CD-R in 2002 but has been remastered, repackaged, had the track listing extended and re-released by their current label n5MD, who also released Run_Return’s Metro North album in 2005. Sum of an Abstract‘s opener ‘Airlanes’ was reworked into the opening track of Metro North as ‘Aerospace Lanes’. The transformation, one the band was obviously pleased with, is significant. It turns a tentative exploration of the mix of electronics and acoustic playing into a confident, mature, integrated mesh. Sum of an Abstract, however, shows Run_Return still staking its territory.
The band’s format does have its problems. For example, the electronic snares are so similar in timbre to the acoustic ones at times that when the acoustic playing shifts behind the beat, as it often does in ‘Thoughts Broken by Footsteps’ or ‘P.A.U.S’, rather than creating the human feel or groove it often can, it has the effect of just sounding out of time. Or having a drummer play a tom and cymbal roll at the same time as a programmed one is triggered can sometimes leave the two competing rather than complementing. Rhythmic invention is a little inconsistent at times as well, sometimes sounding like the band is too earnestly trying to integrate rhythms they have imported from European sources.
These are, however, generally technical complaints and minor ones at that. Thankfully, music is a whole lot more than mere technical accomplishment, otherwise we’d all be raving Joe Satriani fans. There is an emotional core to much great music and this is where Run_Return shine. Melodically, they are continually and diversely captivating. ‘Wake Up’ plays melodies with expertly cut up guitar stabs. ‘Tributary’ sounds like an evocation of its title, a flowing slightly winding stream of cello which opens out halfway through into a rhythmically and sonically expansive bed over which vibraphone and synth sounds can tumble and fall over each other playfully. Tracks are never allowed to just meander – ideas are used and stretched until a shift is needed, then the band does so. It never allows the music to be able to disappear into the ambience, yet keeps a consistent and calming mood throughout the album. It manages to stay beautiful throughout without ever descending into the saccharine.
Yes, there are some minor flaws, but these need to be viewed in context. Sum of an Abstract is a document of the foundational moments of a band. So while there is some tentativeness, the band demonstrates here that it was on to something from the outset and the album has buckets of its own charm, mood and inventiveness, making it highly recommended.
Adrian Elmer
