Morning Runner

Formed in 2003, the piano-driven ensemble Morning Runner achieved notable recognition throughout the United Kingdom despite initial skepticism from reviewers who likened them to Coldplay, with whom they share the same British record company. Originating in Reading, England, the quartet includes Matthew Greener on vocals and guitars, Chris "Fields" Wheatcroft on keyboards and vocals, Tom Derrett on bass, and Ali Clewer on drums. Although the members began with a stronger pull toward garage rock, Wheatcroft’s keyboard work steered the sound elsewhere. The band first signed to the independent label Faith & Hope, released a 7" in 2004, and then moved to the major U.K. imprint Parlophone. During 2005 the group toured with Ian Brown, Bloc Party, the Magic Numbers, the Pogues, and Coldplay. In May of that year Parlophone issued their debut EP Drawing Shapes, which was followed by the single Gone Up in Flames. Burning Benches appeared as a single in February 2006 and reached the Top 20 of the U.K. singles chart. The full-length album Wilderness Is Paradise Now arrived in March 2006.