REVIEW: The Runarounds and Their New Single “Chasing The Good Times”
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY DANI WEINSTEIN ☆
Photo Credit: Isaiah Pate
They’re a real band… going on a real tour in 2026… with a real fictional series — It’s rare for a fictional band on TV to actually head out on tour (Hence the world’s desire for Daisy Jones & The Six to go on tour), but finding out a real band you already enjoy is starring in a TV series is something unique.
It all started in North Carolina, where the five boys came together in 2021 to perform in the Outer Banks Series. They continued making music as an indie/alt rock band called “The Runarounds”–and the chemistry made sense. Some of them had even been playing together since they were six years old! Director Jonas Pate wanted to build a series around an actual high-school band, so that’s exactly what he did, blending fiction and reality to tell a story about a band.
They just released their new single through AWAL, “Chasing The Good Times”, an exciting reminder of what fans can expect from the next leg of their sold-out “Minivan” tour!
The song is co-written by Brad Shultz (member of Cage The Elephant) and produced by Rich Costey, whose mixing credits include the Foo Fighters, HAIM, Deftones, and more. With Shultz's involvement, you can definitely hear the Cage The Elephant influence woven into the tracks edge.
On the new single, Axel Ellis (guitarist & vocals) said: “Joy is fleeting. What’s that Ferris Bueller quote? “Life moves quick, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it.” That’s the feeling we hoped to convey with "Chasing The Good Times." It’s about the never-ending pursuit of happiness and how it could pass you by if you’re looking too hard for it. Next time you find yourself dancing in the dark, try to soak it in as much as you can; it doesn't get much better than that. We were honored to be able to write this one with our friend Brad Shultz of Cage the Elephant, one of our collective long-time heroes.”
Photo Credit: Isaiah Pate
Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant said of working with the band: “Starting a creative process I try not to go in with an expectation of easy success. However, within the first hour of the writing/recording of this song, I knew something special was in the works.
“Chasing The Good Times” is a reflection of youth, the bittersweet rush of growing up. It’s high-energy from the start, capturing exactly what the band was aiming for: pure, aching nostalgia. What makes the track shine is how balanced it is–no single instrument overshadows another. The layered vocals add depth, almost as if the story is being told from multiple perspectives. The drums build momentum and drive the song forward, the guitar hooks carry the melody with a catchy pulse, and the bass beautifully amplifies the song by giving the track its backbone. Every instrument makes the song what it is.
“We keep chasing the good times, they keep fading away” captures the heart of the song's message: that joy is often already around you, and if you search too hard for it, you risk missing the moments that matter. It is a reminder to take in every moment.
The music video amplifies this idea. Shot during the first leg of the tour, it shows the band performing in the crowd. The music and moment become one. By placing themselves in the middle of the crowd, the band mirrors the theme of presence, taking in the energy, faces, and joy surrounding them. The “good times” aren’t something to chase; they’re something to notice and live in while happening.
The best part about the band is the mix of talent. I’ve been listening to Geskle (Jessie Golliher) and Ax and The Hatchetmen (Axel Ellis) for years, and seeing two artists whose music has resonated with for so long come together in the same band feels incredibly surreal.
The band consists of: William Lipton (guitar/vocals), Axel Ellis (guitar, vocals), Jessie Golliher (bass/vocals), Zendé Murdock (drums), and Jeremy YUN (guitar/vocals).
If you are a fan of The Backseat Lovers, West 22nd, Arcy Drive, or Congress The Band, you’ll enjoy The Runarounds. Listen and catch them on tour in 2026!
Photo Credit: Isaiah Pate
