Modern Refuge Push Boundaries on Runaway Dream
- Sophie Ray
- Aug 27
- 2 min read
Modern Refuge’s debut album Runaway Dream opens like stepping into a carefully crafted universe of sound, built from years of collaboration between Sam Winfield, Vincent Amendola, Brian Winfield, and Jim McLoughlin. From the first note, the album reveals meticulous songwriting and inventive composition, each track layered with precise structures, thoughtful arrangements, and standout musicianship.
The opening track, “Teething,” introduces a progressive aesthetic with intensity and flair. “Wave Empire” blends soul, synth, and rhythm and blues with a math and progressive rock approach, creating a track that is both intricate and immediately engaging. “Pearl” dives into a psychedelic world, shifting between quiet reflection and cathartic exultation, while “Envelope Trench” channels admiration for indie rock sensibilities. Folk rock elements shine through on “Becalmed” and “Rope,” further showcasing the band’s versatility.
The second half of Runaway Dream continues the album’s momentum with precision and creativity. “Velvet Gulch” explores funk and soul while staying grounded in indie rock fundamentals. Ballads “Bray” and “Shale” highlight Modern Refuge’s ability to craft alternative and indie rock songs that feel timeless in 2025. “Coconino” brings back echoes of the golden era of nineties alternative rock, capturing catchy melodies and memorable hooks. The closing tracks, “Sweet Old Time” and “Gloss,” provide a warm, reflective conclusion, leaving listeners with a sense of completion yet urging them to press play again.
Throughout Runaway Dream, Modern Refuge manages to balance tenderness and energy, experimentation and clarity. Each track feels purposeful, each shift intentional, creating an album that is immersive and unforgettable. This record is more than a debut; it is a statement from Sam Winfield, Vincent Amendola, Brian Winfield, and Jim McLoughlin, demonstrating artistry, ambition, and mastery over the rock idiom.
To accompany the album, Modern Refuge released a music video for “Bray,” produced and edited by Grant Sorrentino. The video offers an intimate look at the recording of Runaway Dream, capturing the creative process, the focus in the studio, and the chemistry that makes the album so compelling. It provides fans with a window into the heart of the band’s work, showing how precision, experimentation, and emotional connection come together to create music that resonates long after it ends.
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Modern Refuge on Spotify & YouTube.
