Love At the Core

Punk-pop acts aren't exactly known for their longevity, so give credit to Run Kid Run for making a very polished attempt at keeping the genre interesting while staying true to their sound. Their sophomore effort boasts some of the best-crafted songs to come along in recent memory. "Captives Come Home" encapsulates the urgency and earnestness that have given power pop a surprisingly long reign on the airwaves. "My Sweet Escape" is a Green Day-esque adventure of personal ambition. Where Love at the Core comes through less successfully is in creating an identity. With their talented and energetic output, it's a shame that the album is scarcely distinct from the crowd.