One of the more interesting and eclectic indie-rock albums released recently, "Start Packing" by New York's Run On mixes horns, vibes, and electronics with the standard bass / drums / guitar rock fare.
Add multiple vocalists in the band and an uncanny knack for arresting arrangements and you get hypnotic, nearly unclassifiable music like the mercurial opener "Tried," the jittery bop of "Baap," and the soulful nastiness of "Go There." Quiet ballads like "A to Z" rest alongside noise-fests like "Miscalculation," and "Xmas Trip" even starts out like Jerry Lee Lewis' "Breathless."
While it is challenging, Run On's sound is by no means unlistenable; for all its experimentation, the taut arrangements and songwriting under the noise make it both accessible and inventive. "Start Packing" is an accomplished, worthwhile debut album from an exciting band.
- Heather Phares