Three Norwich-based friends involved in the local music scene for many years, the band came together in June 2009 following the demise of Jamie and Peter’s previous venture, the well-regarded Buffalo Orbison. As soon as Jon started joining them for sessions they all recognised that his musical talents were what were needed for the new project.

Peter’s songs often sound as if he’s channelling the spirit of George Harrison, jaunty, optimistic folky pop, with engaging lyrics, appropriate for a Beatles uber-fan. Peter also contributes his accomplished harmonica-playing, sometimes wildly bluesy, sometimes plaintive and yearning. And he sings with the warmth, passion and authority of a natural front man.

Jamie, the band’s Quiet Man, brings his awe-inspiring musicality. He lays down an intricate carpet of guitar sound which provides a springy foundation for everything else. He also contributes quietly precise harmony vocals and a distinctively cinematic songwriting sensibility. Jamie’s deep love of landscape and lifelong immersion in Western films are reflected in his screen-play songs like Headstrong and Union Line.

New boy Jon brings his fierce energy, driving guitar technique and instincitive harmonic ability. Something of a force of nature, often needing to be reined-in by the other guys when he goes off on one of his famous tangents, Jon has brought a new level of commitment and enthusiasm to Runaway Mind Train. He also brings an awesome depth of musical knowledge and a near psychic abilty to anticipate the twist and turns of Peter’s singing.

All aboard!
Jamie Horne - guitar & vocal
Peter Warsop - vocal, harmonicas & guitar
Jon Fennell - guitar & vocal

How to describe the music of Runaway Mind Train?
Well, to borrow the immortal words of Donny & Marie Osmond, they’re a little bit country, and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, but that doesn’t completely cover it. “What we write are pop songs. They just sound rootsy and traditional because of the instruments they’re played on.” The line-up utilises acoustic guitars and
harmonica with the band’s three voices blending delightfully in some distinctive harmony singing.

The stripped down approach to instrumentation was quite deliberate. “We’d been in amplified bands where you spend a year writing and rehearsing an hour long set and by the time you perform it much of the original energy has gone. We wanted to do something that we could get out and gig quickly, a small effective unit that can play round a campfire or at a festival”.

This minimalist style means that the standard of song-writng and arranging needs to be impressive and they don’t disappoint. Runaway Mind Train create their own music of memorable melodies and hummable hooks; they certainly make the most what they’ve got.
The band are presently recording a sample of their songs as played live and plan to produce versions overdubbed with additional instruments and sounds, the opposite approach to the Unplugged formula.