Morning Runner

Despite several critics dismissing Morning Runner as yet another replica of Coldplay -- the band is even on the same U.K. label -- the piano-led group found some success in the U.K. since forming in 2003. Established in Reading, England, the group features Matthew Greener (vocals/guitars), Chris "Fields" Wheatcroft (keyboard/vocals), Tom Derrett (bass), and Ali Clewer (drums) in its lineup. The bandmembers had originally been more interested in garage rock, but Wheatcroft's playing led Morning Runner in a different direction. The band signed on with indie label Faith & Hope and, after issuing a 7" in 2004, made the move to U.K. major Parlophone. Morning Runner spent 2005 touring with Ian Brown, Bloc Party, the Magic Numbers, the Pogues, and Coldplay. In May 2005, they released their first EP with Parlophone, Drawing Shapes, followed by the debut single Gone Up in Flames. In February 2006, they released the single Burning Benches, which broke into the Top 20 of the U.K. singles chart. The full-length Wilderness Is Paradise Now was issued in March 2006. ~ Kenyon Hopkin, All Music Guide