song: "Runaway" - Varsity
In what’s the smoothest single you’ll hear this month, Varsity returns with “Runaway,” the lead single from their upcoming May release. Though its soft and shimmering, it swaggers with confidence, introducing a saxophone solo at its midpoint that will leave you bewildered in the best way. It’s a ballad that should be played at its highest volumes, the glimmering pop leaning into an identity of smoky mystery, as if you’ve stepped into some after hours gathering. Vocalist Stef Smith maintains an utterly alluring presence throughout the duration of the track, commanding your attention even amidst a constantly evolving instrumental backing of percussion, keys, and punctuated guitar. For those new to Varsity, it’s an utterly bewitching introduction, and for those of us that have followed the band for quite some time, it’s an entirely new direction, an invitation to re-introduce yourself to the group, and fall in love all over again.