The sophomore single from big riverz, “Running” enamors with a twangy alt-pop and country fusing — delighting across both its folk-ready verses and more anthemic, replay-inducing central chorus. The trio comprises Canadian author and activist Rae Spoon, in addition to Sofia Hicks and Sarah Danger, who were both part of acclaimed queer, feminist pop-punk band Jesus and his Judgemental Father. big riverz was formed across Montréal, London, and Leeds — bringing together three musicians with industry experience and a knack for affecting, melodic songwriting. Both debut single “Heat Goes Up” and this follow-up show a band that’s poised to rise quickly.
Frolicking acoustics and sporadic pedal steel ease into an introspective vocal feeling, tracing personal anguish into a proclamation that “I can’t keep waiting.” “I wanna reach for you, just so you know I can,” the vocals continue with a smitten, yearning appeal. “I wanna hold the sun, and give it to you with my hand.” A riveting shift takes hold during the “know who I wanna be” sequence — where a ravishing string-laden bolstering pairs with a submerged vocal feeling, then ascending into another blissful “happened again” folk-pop vibrancy. “Running” is a standout success from big riverz, excelling in its journey from twangy heart-on-sleeve allure into its peppy, harmonious vocal finale.
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