2009 has been a relatively good year for music. We have seen the return of many a good band, Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains to name but a few and we have also seen rising stars blossom into full grown artists; Florence And The Machine, Marina and The Diamonds and La Roux, are just a few names that have done just that, this year. However, with the bad comes the ugly and with acts such as Jay Sean getting the number one spot in America (America what were you thinking) and Westlife coming back into our lives (dear god), the music industry can sometimes be a hard thing to believe in, especially if you’re an unsigned band trying to make it big. In the Long Run are just that and listening to their EP, “These Years,” it's easy to see that they may not be one of the ugly bands of 2009, but they wont be one of the better ones either.

“These Years” is a four song EP that is neither awful nor mesmerising. 'This Ones For You' is probably the best song on the EP which leans more towards the fast-paced pop punk reminiscent of early Fall Out Boy, but without the edginess that caught so many people’s attention. Melody and a certain pop sensibility hover over this song, making it a good opening number for “These Years,” but not a spectacular one. Title track 'These Years' is one of the better songs, with its catchy chorus and tuneful melody, whilst 'The Lights Are Off' starts well, but then seamlessly drifts off into just another mundane pop rock song. 'Picture This' is the EP’s closing number and is probably the least original of all four songs, sounding like a mash-up of the songs that have come before it.

“These Years” is not the worst EP ever written but its lack of originality means its not one of the best either. It may have its moments, like the drum solo at the start of opening number 'This Ones For You' and the tuneful rhythms on 'These Years,' but for a band unsigned they need more than moments; they need good, solid songs. Their music however, will probably appeal to the masses and because of its inoffensive content and lyrics of young love and frolics, parents of 13 year old girls and indeed the 13 year old girls themselves will love In The Long Run, if only for their youthful good looks.

Most music fans will not be blown away by “These Years” and although it may make a good Christmas present for your Dad, it most likely won't make a good Christmas present for you.