Earlier this summer, we also took a listen to the newest release from our Unbuckled headliners, Middle Distance Runner. Our Chris Snyder's fondness for the album, Plane in Flames, has spread throughout the blogosphere. Even big timers like USA Today's Pop Candy have taken notice of these local lads. Join us tomorrow night at Unbuckled to celebrate two years of DCist and this band on the rise. Until then, here's what Chris had to say about MDR in June.

Middle Distance Runner’s first full length album may be entitled Plane in Flames, but their fusion of upbeat drum patterns, catchy guitar riffs, and haunting vocals from front man Stephen Kilroy do anything but crash and burn.

“Naturally” has a solid hook that leads the listener in with its addicting, cleverly written pessimistic lyrics and rhythmic hand clapping. Surprisingly, the rest of the album veers away from the direction of this pop sound, with more experimental tracks like “Out of Here” and “The Madness” that demonstrate their (frequently mentioned) Radiohead influence, especially in the Thom Yorke-ish vocals.

But it’s not all ambient brooding, as a variety of styles stand out on the disc, including a very Hives-sounding “Man of the People” and several songs that could be mistaken for a more subdued White Stripes. There’s a continuing transition from softer melancholic moments to faster paced guitar driven melodies. It may take a few listens to get used to, but it ultimately works well, creating a style and identity all the band's own. Where other new artists have failed, MDR has succeeded in developing a uniquely diverse collection of songs, which rather than classify them as amateurish and unfocused, exhibit a local talent that has emerged from the rest of the pack.