Reach the Beach
Reach the Beach is an annual overnight relay running race covering approximately 200 miles through the scenic landscapes of New Hampshire, from the White Mountains to Hampton Beach State Park.[1] Established in 1999 by multi-sport athletes Mike Dionne and Rich Mazzola, it was created as the East Coast's first 200-mile team relay event, emphasizing adventure, camaraderie, and the region's natural beauty during peak foliage season in September.[1] The race now attracts hundreds of teams under the organization of Ragnar Relay Events, fostering a vibrant community of runners who complete the course in a continuous, multi-leg format over about 24 to 36 hours.[2] The event features two main team formats: standard teams of 12 runners, each completing three legs of varying distances (ranging from about 2 to 9 miles per leg, totaling 36 legs),[3][4] and ultra teams of 6 runners, each handling six legs for a more intense challenge. Teams travel in support vans, rotating runners at 36 transition zones along the route, which winds through picturesque areas including forests, lakes, farmlands, and historic covered bridges, showcasing New Hampshire's diverse terrain.[1] Recent editions, such as the 2025 race, have drawn around 367 teams and 3,700 participants, highlighting its status as one of the oldest and most enduring relay races in the United States.[5] Beyond the physical demands, Reach the Beach emphasizes celebration and support, culminating in a festive finish line party at Hampton Beach with live music, food, massages, and awards for top teams.[6] It has grown into a cultural tradition that promotes teamwork, endurance, and appreciation for New England's outdoors, while also serving as a platform for fundraising for various causes, including health organizations like Breakthrough T1D.[7] The race's longevity—marking 25 years in 2024—underscores its appeal to both novice and experienced runners seeking a memorable group experience.[8]Background
Band formation and early career
The Fixx originated in London in 1979, formed by university friends Cy Curnin on lead vocals and Adam Woods on drums, who initially named the group Portraits.[9] The duo quickly expanded by recruiting keyboardist Rupert Greenall, guitarist Tony McGrail, and bassist Charlie Barrett, establishing the band's core new wave sound rooted in post-punk influences.[10] As Portraits, they released two singles on Ariola Records—"Little Women" in 1979 and "Hazards in the Home" in 1980—marking their entry into the local music scene amid the burgeoning British new wave movement.[9] In 1980, McGrail departed, prompting the addition of guitarist Jamie West-Oram and a name change to The Fix to reflect their evolving identity.[9] Bassist Barrett contributed to early material but was replaced by Alfie Agius shortly after, solidifying the lineup of Curnin, Woods, West-Oram, Greenall, and Agius.[11] Under the new moniker, the band issued their debut single "Lost Planes" in February 1981 on the independent 101 Records label, gaining airplay on BBC Radio and building a grassroots following through live performances in London clubs.[9] These efforts showcased their tense, atmospheric style, blending angular guitars with synth-driven rhythms. By 1982, The Fix had attracted attention from major labels, leading to a signing with MCA Records for international distribution, particularly targeting the US market.[10] To avoid potential confusion with an existing American band and drug-related connotations of the name, they rebranded as The Fixx.[9] Their debut album, Shuttered Room, followed later that year on MCA, peaking at number 54 on the UK Albums Chart and achieving modest sales there, while its import status in the US fostered a dedicated cult audience through college radio and import bins.[12][13] Singles like "Stand or Fall" and "Red Skies" provided early breakthroughs, setting the foundation for broader commercial success.[12]Album conception and writing
Following the release of their debut album Shuttered Room in 1982, which achieved modest success primarily in the UK but limited exposure in the United States, The Fixx sought a broader breakthrough in the American market with their sophomore effort.[14] The songwriting process for Reach the Beach began during late 1981 UK tours, as the band honed material amid growing international ambitions, with more focused writing sessions occurring throughout 1982.[15] This period marked a transitional phase, where the group aimed to refine their sound for wider appeal while building on the post-punk energy of their early work. Lead singer Cy Curnin handled primary lyrical duties, drawing inspiration from the era's political disillusionment—such as the Falklands War and escalating Cold War tensions under leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan—as well as themes of personal relationships and emotional introspection.[16][15] The writing was highly collaborative, involving input from all band members, including guitarist Jamie West-Oram on musical arrangements, fostering a democratic approach that integrated diverse ideas into cohesive tracks.[16] To target American radio audiences, the band consciously shifted from the raw, angular post-punk style of Shuttered Room toward more structured, polished compositions with melodic hooks and accessible rhythms, a decision that emphasized catchiness without sacrificing depth.[16] Key songs emerged organically during this phase. "One Thing Leads to Another" was conceived around a driving melody, with Curnin's lyrics critiquing deception and the malleability of politicians who promise change but deliver falsehoods, reflecting broader societal distrust.[17] Similarly, "Saved by Zero" developed from band jam sessions exploring themes of emotional numbness and release, inspired by Buddhist principles of minimalism and ego-shedding, symbolizing a return to a foundational "zero" state after hitting rock bottom.[18] Curnin described the track as capturing the liberation in having nothing left to lose, a mindset resonant with the band's own career uncertainties.[18] Prior to full recording, the band cut initial demos in London, capturing rough versions of these songs to refine ideas and test their radio potential, setting the stage for the album's transatlantic production.[15]Recording and production
Studio sessions
The recording of Reach the Beach took place from late 1982 to early 1983 at Farmyard Studios in Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, UK, a residential facility owned by producer Rupert Hine that provided a secluded rural environment conducive to focused creative work.[19][20] The studio's countryside location allowed the band to immerse themselves without urban distractions, and members lived on-site during the sessions, which spanned approximately three to four months leading up to the album's May 1983 release.[21] These extended sessions involved intense daily routines, often lasting 12 to 14 hours, as the band and production team worked to capture the album's new wave sound in a collaborative atmosphere. Basic tracking began with drums and guitars, establishing a rhythmic foundation led by drummer Adam Woods' precise style, followed by overdubs such as keyboardist Rupert Greenall's synthesizer layers to build the tracks' atmospheric depth. The process was marked by lineup changes, with bassist Alfie Agius departing midway through, leading to guest bassist Dan K. Brown contributing to "The Sign of Fire" amid the flux.[22][21] Technical hurdles arose from experimenting with nascent digital effects and recording equipment, which occasionally disrupted the workflow but ultimately shaped the album's innovative edge. By the sessions' end, the project was finalized at a total runtime of 41:10 across 10 tracks, balancing the band's evolving sound with production polish.[23]Key production contributions
Producer Rupert Hine, renowned for his work on Howard Jones's albums such as Human's Lib (1984), helmed the production of Reach the Beach, infusing the album with a glossy, layered sound characterized by emotional depth and sonic texture.[24][25] He emphasized space in the mixes to accentuate vocalist Cy Curnin's delivery, creating an expansive atmosphere that complemented the band's new wave style.[25] Hine's artistic input extended to songwriting and arrangement; he suggested chord progressions and the addition of a chorus for the track "Running," while co-writing uncredited parts on several songs, including that one.[25] Additionally, he incorporated orchestral elements through synthesizers, enriching the album's overall sonic palette with lush, cinematic undertones.[25][26] Engineer Stephen W. Tayler, a frequent collaborator with Hine, oversaw the mixing process and employed innovative techniques such as gating on the drums to achieve a punchy, modern rhythm section and reverb on synthesizers for a "larger-than-life" 1980s aesthetic.[25][26] These methods contributed to the album's polished, immersive quality, distinguishing it within the era's production landscape.[27] The album's artwork was designed by George Underwood, celebrated for his cover illustrations on David Bowie's early albums like The Man Who Sold the World (1970).[28][29] Underwood's front cover painting features surreal beach imagery evoking themes of escape and introspection.[28][30] In post-production, the album underwent mastering at MCA Recording Studios in Los Angeles to optimize its sound for the U.S. market, ensuring dynamic range and clarity suited to American radio and vinyl playback standards.[31][26]Music and lyrics
Musical style and influences
Reach the Beach exemplifies a blend of new wave and art rock, characterized by angular structures, post-punk rhythms, and synth-pop melodies underpinned by infectious pop hooks. The album's tracks are notably concise, averaging around four minutes each, allowing for tight, radio-friendly compositions that maintain an edgy intensity without excess length. This sonic palette draws from the band's post-punk roots while incorporating brighter, more melodic elements typical of early 1980s new wave.[32][33][21] The Fixx's influences include early Roxy Music, which contributed to the album's glam-inflected synth textures and sophisticated arrangements, reflecting frontman Cy Curnin's formative listening experiences. The sound also evokes angular guitar work reminiscent of contemporaries in the new wave scene, paired with tight, driving rhythms that emphasize groove and propulsion. Compared to their debut album Shuttered Room, Reach the Beach marks a shift from rawer, less polished post-punk energy to more accessible production, enhancing its commercial viability while preserving the band's artistic edge.[34][32][33] Instrumentally, guitarist Jamie West-Oram's riffy, angular lines—exemplified in the track "One Thing Leads to Another"—provide a sharp, ethereal bite that anchors the songs' funky undercurrents. Keyboardist Rupert Greenall's analog synth washes add lush, atmospheric layers, evoking synth-pop's melodic sheen, while drummer Adam Woods delivers crisp, driving beats that serve as the rhythmic engine. These elements combine to create a cohesive, innovative sound built on synthesizers and effects.[33][21] Producer Rupert Hine's contributions further define the album's hallmarks, with his atmospheric layering imparting depth and a cleaner, brighter finish that amplifies the ethereal quality of Cy Curnin's seductive vocals and the overall mix. This production approach balances the band's experimental leanings with broad appeal, evolving their debut's rawness into a more refined yet radio-oriented aesthetic.[32][33]Lyrical themes and song analysis
The lyrics of Reach the Beach, primarily penned by lead singer Cy Curnin, explore themes of deception in power structures, emotional numbness amid overwhelming experiences, and the pursuit of escapist relief. In "One Thing Leads to Another," Curnin critiques the duplicity of politicians who bend truths for personal gain, drawing from a real-life political scandal in England where a figure was exposed in a lie; he emphasized that effective deception requires unwavering consistency, or else "the whole thing's going to get pear shaped."[17] Similarly, "Saved by Zero" delves into emotional detachment as a form of liberation from sensory overload, inspired by Curnin's early explorations of Buddhism and the concept of śūnyatā (emptiness), portraying a return to a neutral "zero" state as a meditative release when "you have nothing left to lose."[35][18] The title track, "Reach the Beach," represents emotional growth and transformation, exploring themes of loneliness, inspiration, early love, and peer pressure.[33] Curnin's lyrical style is characterized by enigmatic and abstract phrasing that invites interpretive depth rather than literal readings, often blending personal introspection with broader societal commentary to avoid overt didacticism. For instance, in "Opinions," he probes the fluidity of subjective truth, questioning how perceptions shape reality without prescribing answers.[34] This approach extends to "The Sign of Fire," where apocalyptic motifs—such as warnings of an unheeded "sign" amid isolation—evoke urgent calls to awareness, layering irony over impending peril. "Running" unfolds as a narrative of frantic pursuit, tracing a search for unvarnished truth that confronts the "root of all evil" in doubt and illusion. "Changing" reflects on personal transformation, depicting a struggle against societal "fools" who ignore inspirational signs in favor of self-created conflicts.[33] These themes were influenced by the socio-political climate of the early 1980s, including the Reagan-Thatcher alliance, escalating Cold War tensions, and nuclear anxieties, which infused the band's work with subtle critiques of authority and existential unease. Curnin has noted that the era's "political marriage" and deregulation fostered a sense of global instability that permeated their songwriting, reflecting both collective fears and the band's own experiences navigating rising fame.[33][36] Curnin's distinctive baritone vocal delivery enhances these motifs, infusing abstract lines with ironic detachment and intensifying the emotional weight of detachment or warning, creating a contrast that underscores the lyrics' layered ambiguity.[34]Release and promotion
Singles and their impact
The lead single from Reach the Beach, "Saved by Zero", was released in April 1983 in the UK and May 1983 in the US.[37][38] It peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 on the Mainstream Rock chart.[39][35] The track's music video, directed by Brian Grant, became a staple on MTV, helping to introduce the band's synth-driven new wave sound to a broader American audience amid the network's rising popularity.[38] The second single, "One Thing Leads to Another", followed in August 1983 in the US. It achieved greater commercial success, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Mainstream Rock chart.[40][41] Heavy rotation of its distinctive video on MTV significantly boosted the band's visibility in the US, contributing to their breakthrough beyond a niche UK following.[17][42] "Sign of Fire" was issued as the third single in November 1983, exclusively in the US. It peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 20 on the Mainstream Rock chart, performing as a modest follow-up that maintained radio momentum without matching the prior singles' peaks.[43][40] The singles' releases included non-album B-sides such as "Going Overboard" (paired with "Saved by Zero"), offering fans additional material that highlighted the band's experimental edge.[21] Collectively, these singles propelled Reach the Beach to commercial heights, with the album reaching number 8 on the Billboard 200 and eventually certifying platinum for over one million US sales.[21] Their strong performance on both pop and rock charts marked The Fixx's transition from cult status in the UK to mainstream success in the US, where the album's synth-pop accessibility resonated widely.[33][44]Marketing strategies and touring
MCA Records launched a US-centric promotional campaign for Reach the Beach, emphasizing the album's summer 1983 release with its beach-themed cover art illustrated by George Underwood, which evoked coastal imagery to align with seasonal vibes.[21] The strategy heavily featured music videos for key singles like "One Thing Leads to Another" on MTV, capitalizing on the network's growing influence in the early days of cable television to target young rock audiences.[45] Print advertisements appeared in major music publications such as Rolling Stone and Billboard, highlighting the album's new wave sound and hit singles to build buzz among rock enthusiasts.[46] Radio promotion focused on Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) stations, where tracks from the album dominated airplay.[47] To support the album, The Fixx embarked on an extensive 1983-1984 US tour, primarily as openers for The Police's Synchronicity tour, performing in arenas and stadiums with fellow openers including Oingo Boingo and Thompson Twins; the outing included over 50 dates, marking the band's rising visibility in major venues.[48][49] Internationally, promotion was more restrained, with the album debuting at #91 on the UK Albums Chart despite the band's British origins, supported by limited domestic pushes and select European tour dates following their American success.[12] In Japan, MCA facilitated market entry through local single releases and a dedicated pressing of the album, introducing the material to Asian audiences via radio and retail channels.[23] Post-release, singles from Reach the Beach gained further exposure through placements in films and soundtracks, enhancing the album's longevity.Commercial performance
Chart positions
Reach the Beach marked a major commercial breakthrough for The Fixx, particularly in North America, where its strong performance was bolstered by hit singles and extensive touring that extended its chart longevity into 1984. The album peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard 200 in September 1983 and remained on the chart for 54 weeks, a substantial improvement over the band's debut album Shuttered Room, which peaked at number 106.[33][50] In Canada, it also reached number 8 on the RPM Top 100 Albums chart.[51] The album's North American success contributed to modest international visibility, though results varied by region due to the band's prior association with independent labels limiting European momentum.| Chart (1983) | Peak Position | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 8 | Billboard |
| Canada RPM Top 100 Albums | 8 | Library and Archives Canada (RPM) |
| UK Albums Chart | 91 | Official Charts Company |
| Netherlands MegaCharts Albums | 38 | Dutch Charts |
Sales and certifications
Reach the Beach achieved significant commercial success, particularly in North America, where it became The Fixx's breakthrough album. In the United States, the album sold over two million copies and earned RIAA Platinum certification on January 5, 1984, for shipments of one million units.[52][53][33][54] In Canada, it surpassed 100,000 units sold, receiving Platinum certification from the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) in November 1983.[53][21] Worldwide, the album moved millions of copies, with the bulk of sales concentrated in the US and Canada.[55][21] This performance was bolstered by its entry into the Billboard Top 10 within months of its May 1983 release, driven by strong radio airplay and MTV exposure.[53] The album's sales were further supported by the broader new wave surge of 1983, which amplified demand for synth-infused rock acts like The Fixx in the North American market.[56]Reception
Contemporary critical reviews
Upon its release in 1983, Reach the Beach received mixed reviews from critics, with a noticeable divide between more skeptical UK outlets and relatively warmer US reception, largely attributed to the album's strong radio and MTV play in America. In the UK, Smash Hits awarded it a low 3/10 rating, stating "riffs alone do not a great album make."[47] In the US, Rolling Stone was critical of the album's energy and vocalist Cy Curnin's delivery, describing it as a "detached, passionless product" that prioritized cool detachment over emotional depth, though it acknowledged the band's growing appeal stateside compared to their UK roots.[47] Conversely, Billboard highlighted the strengths in its "punchy guitar vamps and moody electronics," praising the production's blend of hooks and atmosphere.[47] Cash Box echoed this positivity, forecasting strong consumer approval due to the quartet's high MTV visibility and radio-friendly tracks.[47] An early equivalent assessment akin to AllMusic's later praise came through contemporary nods to the album's catchy hooks and sleek production, which helped solidify its breakthrough status in the US market.[32] Overall, the divided response reflected the album's commercial momentum in America contrasting with cooler UK press, where it was seen as overly calculated despite its infectious singles.Retrospective assessments
In the years following its release, Reach the Beach has been reevaluated as a cornerstone of 1980s new wave, with critics highlighting its seamless fusion of sharp, edgy rhythms and accessible pop sensibilities. A 2003 review of the album's remastered reissue by AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising it as a pinnacle of the genre for its polished production and ability to balance innovative songcraft with broad appeal.[32] Later assessments continued to emphasize the album's enduring musical qualities. In a 2018 retrospective by Classic Rock Review, the record received an 8 out of 10, with the publication lauding its pioneering application of synthesizers alongside guitar-driven new wave elements that created hooks still resonant decades later.[21] User-driven platforms have similarly reflected sustained appreciation for the album's place in musical history. On Rate Your Music, it holds an average user rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on nearly 900 ratings, where contributors often value it as a vivid cultural artifact capturing the synth-pop and post-punk tensions of 1983.[57] A 2017 analysis on Sputnikmusic assigned it a B+ grade, noting the striking contrast between its upbeat, danceable arrangements and the underlying bleak, introspective lyrical themes that add depth to its new wave framework.[58] Overall, retrospective views highlight Reach the Beach as The Fixx's commercial breakthrough, with its hits and production contributing to their success in the 1980s new wave scene.[33]Track listing and personnel
Track listing
The original 1983 vinyl LP release of Reach the Beach (MCA-5419) features ten tracks divided across two sides, with a total runtime of 40:50. All songs were written by the band's core members: Cy Curnin, Rupert Greenall, Jamie West-Oram, and Adam Woods.[23][32]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Side one | ||
| 1. | "One Thing Leads to Another" | 3:18 |
| 2. | "The Sign of Fire" | 3:51 |
| 3. | "Running" | 4:26 |
| 4. | "Saved by Zero" | 3:41 |
| 5. | "Opinions" | 4:49 |
| Side two | ||
| 6. | "Reach the Beach" | 4:00 |
| 7. | "Changing" | 3:25 |
| 8. | "Liner" | 3:39 |
| 9. | "Privilege" | 4:16 |
| 10. | "Outside" | 5:25 |