Rating: 3 Pulses

It’s been said that brevity is the soul of wit, and with that in mind, local band The Running would do well to adhere to that simple principle.

The Running’s members promise two distinct factors of their 2007 release, Not From Around Here. Primarily, they claim their music breaks from genre norms and brings a refreshing difference from typical radio tunes. Secondarily, they promise insightful lyrics to complement their original jams.

The Running delivers on its first goal: original and creative music. The record’s 10 tracks combine rock, reggae and blues in some interesting ways.

Specifically, the debut disc opens on a high note, with the pulsating reggae-inspired song, “Boom Pow!” And other highlights include the power chord-laden, rock- influenced “Home Girl” and the soulful “Evangelist Blues.” In short, with the exception of the discordant “Right in Between,” The Running’s album delivers some great jam-rock tunes.

As for the lineup’s second goal?insightful lyrics?The Running definitely leaves something to be desired. Topics are the typical jam-rock themes of drugs and sex. Their lyrics border on being misogynistic at times, such as I want to touch you, I want to f*** you, so here I come. The most problematic, however, was “Sadurdays” (yes, the spelling is intentional), an anthem for smoking pot and watching morning cartoons. I wish everything could be so easy, no, we never had a worry in the world except for the next thing that was coming on the tube.

It seems such so-called “insights” are common to most middle-school boys.

In spite of the fact the album fails to deliver real lyrical depth, it certainly delivers head-bobbing, catchy melodies. Perhaps by shortening the often-lengthy songs, however, the band would be wise to focus its future lyrics on something a bit more meaningful, and possibly, even insightful.

For upcoming shows or to hear the band, go to myspace.com/therunningband.com.