South Yorkshire artist Drew Davies returns with ‘Running’, a funk-infused rock anthem that signals a striking new direction following the gothic intensity of his previous single, ‘La Revanche’. Drawing on the flamboyant musical worlds of Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers and David Bowie, the new release combines incendiary guitar work, an infectious groove and a commanding vocal performance, delivering a sound that is as cinematic as it is nostalgic.
Mixed by Jon Hucks, whose credits include Florence + The Machine, Shania Twain and Pete Townshend, and mastered by Graeme Lynch, known for his work with Echo & The Bunnymen, ‘Running’ also features former Calvin Harris bassist Mark McCubbin. The result is a polished, funk-laden rock production that showcases another side to Davies’ increasingly distinctive musical identity.
Where ‘La Revanche’ revelled in thunderous guitars and gothic theatrics, ‘Running’ takes a more glossy pop-rock approach, trading dark intensity for a sepia-toned sense of nostalgia. It is a shift in atmosphere rather than ambition, with Davies retaining the dramatic flair and larger-than-life sensibilities that have become hallmarks of his work. If his previous single played out like a gothic stage production, ‘Running’ feels more like a widescreen cinematic experience, rich in colour, character and classic rock influences.
At its heart, however, the track explores something considerably more introspective. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the release, Davies explains:
“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.”
That sense of repetition and self-reflection gives the single an emotional depth beneath its infectious exterior. While the music leans into the theatricality of classic funk-rock, its central theme is one of personal reckoning, examining the patterns and ambitions that can keep us moving without necessarily taking us anywhere new.
Born and raised in South Yorkshire, Davies began his musical journey in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, with a career that first gathered momentum in London before taking him across the UK and Europe. Since then, he has steadily built a reputation for his ambitious songwriting and distinctive sound, earning radio support from BBC broadcasters including Mickey Bradley (BBC Ulster), Gary Crowley (BBC London), Bruce Dickinson (BBC 6), Jericho Keys (BBC Introducing) and the late Janice Long (BBC Wales).
His growing profile has also attracted praise from respected music publications including CLASH, Louder Than War and Earmilk, establishing him as an artist whose work continues to resonate across both radio and the independent music press. His sophomore album, ‘Holloway Nights’, arrived in 2024 to critical acclaim, marking another significant milestone in a career that has continued to evolve since its beginnings.
With ‘La Revanche’ and now ‘Running’, Davies appears to be entering an especially compelling phase of his creative journey. Unafraid to move between contrasting musical territories, he brings together gothic grandeur, classic pop-rock influences and increasingly personal songwriting. ‘Running’ is a confident, character-filled return that suggests his strongest chapter may well be unfolding.
