Dinosaur Running Club plays a nostalgic mellow and modern rock style. The four-song EP, Long Slow Distance, takes the band’s “running” motif and combines that with 16 minutes of music. This is a surprising listen because the band throws in a lot of depth on a limited number of tracks.
“Sci-Fi…” is like a warm-up and slow jog. Dinosaur Running Club builds layers with each verse, growing like a shoegaze song. It looks like the band is currently a four-piece; the credits for Long Slow Distance include six members. Adding synth and sound FX feels weird inside rock music, but listening to “Sci-Fi…” shows that there’s a lot of soundscapes beyond the main melodies.
I wonder if Dinosaur Running Club considers themselves a shoegaze band or if they’re a rock band. Because the composition and arrangement of the music borders on shoegaze. “Jungle” has more upbeat energy than a standard shoegaze track, but the composition overall has all the genre pieces.
“Jungle” also serves as a long prelude to “Green.” This is where Dinosaur Running Club highlights a melodic rock style. It’s bright and welcoming. I can see why this is the main single because it draws a first-time listener in very quickly.
The final song, “Me and I,” is the song with the most depth. Coming to the end of Long Slow Distance, it actually feels like this is the first half of a full length. It’s like half a conversation and “Me and I” makes a big statement with a wider soundscape and general presentation. I’m surprised this wasn’t the lead single.
Long Slow Distance is a little weird. After listening, I think it’s more of a three-song EP with “Jungle” and “Green” actually coming across as “Jungle Green.” The slow start gets your attention and “Me and I” make a lasting impression. It’s a great start.
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Written by Chris P for Korean Indie.