South Yorkshire-born musician Drew Davies is back with ‘Running’, a funk-infused rock release that takes a different direction from the theatrical intensity of his previous single, ‘La Revanche’. Drawing on the sounds of Prince and David Bowie, the new track combines punchy guitar work, a polished pop-rock arrangement and a commanding vocal performance.
Where ‘La Revanche’ leaned into a darker, gothic-rock atmosphere, ‘Running’ moves towards something brighter and more cinematic. Its nostalgic character is carried by a groove-driven sound, with Davies trading thunderous drama for a glossy arrangement that still retains plenty of rock energy.
The single also brings together an experienced team of musicians and engineers. Former Calvin Harris bassist Mark McCubbin features on the track, while mixing was handled by Jon Hucks, whose credits include Florence + The Machine, Shania Twain and Pete Townshend. Mastering comes courtesy of Graeme Lynch, known for his work with Echo & The Bunnymen.
Beneath its energetic sound, ‘Running’ explores the frustration of finding yourself caught in familiar patterns. Davies uses the idea of running as a metaphor for pursuing ambitions at the expense of other parts of life, as well as repeating mistakes without recognising that they are taking you back to where you started.
“Running was written about moments that make you feel like you’re stuck in a loop. Whether that’s constantly running down a dream to the detriment of other areas of your life or repeating the same mistakes again and again. I suppose it’s me holding up a mirror to myself, a reminder that if you keep running in the same direction, you might end up back where you started,” he explains.
That self-reflection gives the song another layer beyond its upbeat, guitar-led exterior. The contrast between its lively musical character and its more introspective subject matter makes ‘Running’ a track that invites movement while encouraging listeners to consider the habits and decisions shaping their lives.
Davies began his musical journey in 2020, during the pandemic, and has since developed a career that has taken him from London across the UK and Europe. His work has attracted radio support from BBC presenters and DJs including Mickey Bradley of BBC Ulster, Gary Crowley of BBC London, Bruce Dickinson of BBC 6, Jericho Keys of BBC Introducing and the late Janice Long of BBC Wales.
In 2024, Davies released his sophomore record, Holloway Nights, which received critical acclaim. More recently, ‘La Revanche’ and now ‘Running’ have signalled a new phase in his creative direction, with each release exploring a different side of his musical personality.
With its blend of funk, nostalgic pop-rock and personal reflection, ‘Running’ adds another dimension to Drew Davies’s catalogue. It follows the darker world of ‘La Revanche’ while pointing towards a new chapter in which he continues to explore the sounds and stories that define his artistry.
