The Runarounds are a band doing it like no other.
Members William Lipton (lead singer/guitarist), Axel Ellis (lead singer/guitarist), Jesse Golliher (bass/vocals), Jeremy Yun (lead guitarist), and Zendé Murdock (drummer) were recruited to initially audition to become a band. That would eventually become a scripted TV project for Jonas Pate, producer of Netflix’s Outer Banks.
The band formed in 2020, and from there, they went on to play very intimate shows as a soft launch. They even had a cameo as a band in season two of “Outer Banks,” during a party. Their sound could be described as indie rock with a garage and classic-rock revival influence. The band and show also feel as though they take a lot of inspiration from the 1970s era and this is a current theme throughout.
Their official TV show, “The Runarounds,” hit Prime Video on Sept. 1, 2025, and I would say it is Prime’s hidden gem. The show follows a group of graduating high school seniors, Charlie Cooper (Lipton), Neil Crosby (Ellis), Wyatt Wysong (Golliher), Topher Park (Yun), and Bez Willis (Murdock), whose last mission is to create a summer that will change their lives forever as a band.
Each member brings a different personality and creative direction to the band, and the tension between ambition and loyalty becomes just as important as the music itself. Through romances, friendships, and difficult family dynamics, the group faces the ups and downs of show business, as well as what comes next outside of high school.
Along with their TV show premiere, their first official album, “The Runarounds (Prime Video Original Series Soundtrack)” was also released in tandem. From that, the band recorded fourteen original songs, two cover songs (“Valerie” by Amy Winehouse and “Surrender” by Cheap Trick), and one feature from the band Kitty Hawk (not to be confused with the punk band).
Additionally, in November 2025, they also released a new single, “Chasing The Good Times,” as a transition into their new musical era. They additionally just rerecorded “Arrhythmia (I Hope You Stay)” and made it feel even more rock with more guitar. Their sound is perfect for fans of The Backseat Lovers, West 22nd, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Ax and the Hatchetman (Ellis’ other band).
In my opinion, what they have going on is super special. I love the fact that you can see their real personalities brought to life through the show, and that their music feels authentic both on screen and off.
Also, as a lyric lover myself, I think these five have perfectly nailed the catchy, but meaningful words to their songs. They are catchy, beautifully done, and also feel very youthful and fun. My personal favorite track changes every day, but right now, I am obsessed with “Downtown.”
I think the slow ballad in the beginning sets a solemn mood, until it hits verse one and opens into something fully upbeat and fun. The entire song is based on leaving behind the idea of not making it in the music industry and just being young and enjoying the process. It’s about leaving stress and expectations behind for a night and finding freedom in the city, the music, and the moment.
The Runarounds are super new to the scene, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth listening to. I wouldn’t be surprised if they take the number one spot on my Spotify Wrapped this year (and yes, it is only February). Their TV show has taken a new spot as one of my all-time favorites, and it genuinely meant a lot to me. That being said, I left a little song recommendation guide down below with some more of my favorites.
Songs to watch out for (in a good way):
- “Arrhythmia (I Hope You Stay)”
- “Ghosts”
- “Shoelaces”
- “Funny How The Universe Works”
- “Beautiful Stranger”
- “Minivan”
- “Chasing The Good Times”
- “Downtown”
Don’t be shy! If you’re looking for your next favorite band, The Runarounds are worth the watch and the listen.
