I don’t know how often we’re knowingly given a sequel to a song, but Nightwell has delivered with “Runaway” — released today independently.
There have been a few singles in between “Runaway” and “Drive” — the band’s first single with new vocalist Jason Emsallem — but we’re finally brought the conclusion to that story:
After being on and off for the last 3 months of a two-year relationship, I decided it was time to let the person go. Weeks later, like idiots in love, we were still texting non-stop when she told me she was seeing someone. I called her, I didn’t say anything and could barely move, the call ended with nothing else really said other than goodbye.
Jason Emsallem of Nightwell

It’s hilarious to me how Valentine’s Day becomes a music moment full of beautiful odes to that special someone and heart wrenching tales of lost love. Listening to this week’s New Music Friday playlist on Spotify is such a jarring experience as you jump from one to the other. Nightwell falls firmly in the latter category, but it’s done tastefully. The vibe is more John Mayer’s “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room” than Adam Sandler in The Wedding Singer.
And honestly, in general, I’m a big fan of where this band’s sound is going. Everything they’ve released in the last year has been so solid. They seem to be finding their footing more as they branch out from their emo roots, and I’m excited to see where it takes them.