6/10

After the undeniable success that his single 'Sail' received a few years ago, AWOLNATION aka producer and vocalist Aaron Bruno has now returned to deliver his much-anticipated sophomore studio album. Arriving four years after the release of his debut full-length 'Megalithic Symphony', this new effort seems to follow that same high-octane electro-rock sound of its predecessor with mixed results.

While 'Run' is an unrepentant force of high-energy spliced with brooding electronics, the robotic attitude that flows throughout the whole release does leave it void of a recognisable human influence. It synthetic sound is what helps it stand out from the rest of the electronic rock outfits in the scene, but its clinical approach to production does leave it feeling separated from the listener and a hard record to really get immersed in.

Having said that, the quality of the music is still very playful and inspired. AWOLNATION has managed to cultivate a sound that is not only unique, but shows that he has a purpose and direction that he is looking to fulfil. Even if it does not always pay off in the way that he'd hoped.