For Against, Never Been

review by dave heaton

Nebraskans For Against have been crafting an impeccable dream-pop/Factory Records sound for over 20 years. Their latest, Never Been, shows they still can surprise. They take less of a dense approach to the music, more of a slimmed-down and even quiet one, with piano even. But there’s the same overall feeling and the same incisive songwriting. The melodic pop side to their music is more evident, though they’re coming from the same musical starting points and their lyrics still tackle heavy subject matter.

The guitars cascade while Jeffrey Runnings sings about struggles and conflicts, of lies, betrayal, loss of faith, and a sense of unease. The songs are ruminative, and bitter. Sample sentiments: “You seem to think writing a little note / saying ‘I’m sorry’” / is the antidote for a long list of things gone wrong / they could never fit in the space of one song.” “If you can’t care about what happens in your life / and you don’t care whether or not you live or die / how can I?” “A wound so fresh it bleeds and bleeds / it’s always been this way for me.”

Pretty, moody instrumental interludes pull the songs together, accentuating what’s been expressed and saying more, without words.

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