Winchester 7 & the Runners - Catacomb Songs

Winchester 7 & the Runners

Catacomb Songs
self-released; 2022

3.9 out of 5

By My Nguyen​

Winchester 7 & the Runners is an indie ukulele-led rock outfit consisting of Winchester 7 (vocals/ukulele), Phil Voorhees (bass/synths) and Jack Kane (drums). The band says that the sound on their latest album Catacomb Songs is a departure from their more upbeat fare. The lyrics to their songs have a more somber tone with many of their tracks clearly pandemic-influenced. Though the band says that their approach this time is more serious, I felt that the music still felt very upbeat and fresh. It is hard to resist the sounds of the ukulele as its clear and lucid notes adds more range to the band’s sound. And it is clear the trio delivers some great tunes in the indie garage rock, alternative, classic and surf rock veins. 

Catacomb Songs begins with “Dead Celebrities And New Beginnings.” To the rhythm of the ukulele, the band’s sound comes through here. I was getting some beachy vibes from the vocal harmonies. This track felt very sing-along worthy. Some revving bass and synths reel in the sounds on “The Song That You Sing.” Winchester 7’s vocals are attached with great attitude and sass. It is clear the band pays odes to classic rock here. I thought I heard notes of The Beatles and The Beach Boys in their music on this number. Next is “Up On The 13th Floor.” The tune here had a sauntering groove. Again, the classic rock references once more came up.

Some more of the band’s mellow vibes come through on “Ever Said.” I was enjoying the instances of the ukulele on this track. It definitely added a resonating appeal to this piece. The combined vocal harmonies also gave off a warm and intimate vibe to this surf track. More striking sounds from the ukulele come through on “Riding High Again.” I thought the energized percussion added a certain touch of pizzazz to the overall sound. This was another upbeat number from the band. Starting off with some revved bass, the wall-to-wall sounds are very contagious-sounding on “Arcade Days.” The fuzz level is very high. I loved how noisy and chaotic everything sounded, giving up a very classic rock vibe.

On “Beneath The Moon And The Stars (Extended Version),” more of the band’s upbeat energy arrives here at the start of this song. The fuzz-heavy instrumentals in the background back Winchester 7’s vocals to great effect. On “Head On (Bonus),” synths and drums enter for some more lively effects. Here Winchester 7’s vocals are more subdued. I was getting some straight-edge rock fare here. Heavy percussion highlight “Beneath The Moon And The Stars (Bonus) – PJ Gowan & Stardust Studios Extended Mix.” The remix seemed to be more upbeat and energized than the original. The band shows off more of t feel-good vibes with this remix to close off their album. 

​The band packs into these seven tracks and two bonuses great energy and surprising warmth. The ukulele is a unique addition and the band is able to highlight its sounds generously. I thought they did a good job here and look forward to seeing where they go from here.

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