In an outpouring of emotion, reflecting on the ubiquity of mental health issues in American culture, Colorado-based outfit The Runaway Grooms wrote and recorded their latest single “Heartwork” in just one day. Guitarist and vocalist Adam Tobin sings the song’s verses in a way that makes the listener feel seen, not preached to: “When you gave all that you had, still everybody asks for a little more.” The feeling one is left with by the end of the track is that of “Heart work is hard hard work,” but “If you need it, I’ll be here to help you along the way.” Tobin, joined by his Runaway Grooms bandmates—keyboardist Cody Scott, bassist and vocalist Zach Gillam, drummer Justin Bissett, and guitarist and vocalist Zac Cialek—lets the music carry the lyrics on the wings of groovy drums, dreamy piano, and plenty of space for guitars to slink in and out.
After the first three minutes or so, “Heartwork” weaves seamlessly from its sweet, mid-tempo feel into an all-out celebration punctuated with Allman-esque guitar licks and gang-vocal-driven revelry. “When writing the song we felt as if it wanted to keep going, and so the song ends with an anthem-like revival that is intended to lift the spirits of the listeners and inspire them to keep working on the heart work,” the band exclaims. “We dedicate this song to everyone who is struggling with mental health, may it be a reminder of your true potential for positivity, self-love and self-development.” Yesterday, Folk N Rock premiered the song, noting, “This new single is a mellow jam with some emotionally charged lyrics that are sure to hit home with a lot of listeners.”
“Heartwork” is the second single released from The Runaway Grooms’ upcoming album This Road. Fans can listen to “Heartwork” today at this link and stay up to date on all things ahead of their February 10th release right here. Don’t forget to check out the previously-released “Jenny,” which Westword called “six minutes of classic-rock bliss that’s equal parts The Band and the Allman Brothers.”
Recorded on the road at Paloma Sound Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, with former Ardent Studio engineer Jeremy Horn, the Grooms’ third LP, This Road, marks the band’s return to more of an American roots rock songwriting style, all while keeping one foot in the tight-knit jam band circle from which they emerged. Equally inspired by jazz-fusion exploration from the likes of Steely Dan, Atlanta Rhythm Section, and Yes, and the guitar-driven prowess of Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Grateful Dead, This Road dives in and out of grooves and moods, turning on a dime, but always focusing on what the band sees as the most important aspect; the song. Oh, and keeping the crowd on their dancing feet. In addition to telling stories and gleaning wisdom from life, love, and struggle, This Road captures an array of emotions and moods drawn from the dramatic narrative of living on the road in a touring band.
In addition to an album release party in Avon, The Runaway Grooms are hitting some of Colorado’s favorite mountain towns this February and supporting String Cheese Incident’s Kyle Hollingsworth and Umphrey’s McGee’s Joel Cummins at Denver’s Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom. A complete list of dates can be found below or at therunawaygrooms.com/tour.
This Road Tracklist:
Jenny
Mister Ford
Here I Come Again
This Road
Heartwork
Catch The Runaway Grooms On Tour:
Feb. 10 – Avon, CO – Agave*
Feb. 17 – Denver, CO – Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom^
Feb. 18 – Buena Vista, CO – The Lariat
Feb. 22 – Steamboat Springs, CO – Schmiggity’s
Feb. 25 – Winter Park, CO – Devil’s Craft
*with Danger Mountain String Band
^with Kyle Hollingsworth & Joel Cummins
For ticket information, please visit therunawaygrooms.com/tour.
