Run On's second full-length, 1997's No Way, continues the group's exciting blend of noise, rock, and pop. This album, however, focuses the group's ideas into a more cohesive sound. Something Sweet, Lab Rats, and Look all feature a heady, fuzzed-out organ-and-guitar drone topped with Sue Garner's sultry, versatile voice. The jazz elements on Start Packing are also evident here, particularly in the songs' rhythms; Bring Her Blues' syncopated drums give the song an expansive dreaminess, while Half of Half begins with Garner's shivery singing and Rick Brown's abstract drumming and explodes into a shimmering chorus of guitars. Along with the other refinements to their sound, No Way also features Run On's newest member, violinist Katie Gentile. In particular, she shines in Out for a Walk, Ropa Vieja, and the deliciously sad Anything You Say. The group's arrangements remain as artful as ever, especially on the marimba- and guitar-based cover of Nick Drake's Road, and the brooding version of their own Days Away, which consists of a spooky reedy organ and Garner's yearning voice. Best of all, Run On's songwriting remains intelligent and catchy on No Way, especially when a song like As Good as New takes lyrics like, "I just woke up/I just f*cked up/I just want to see you smile," and sets them to beautiful, fuzzy guitar pop. Run On's expansive but controlled musical vision makes sure their music is never predictable or willfully obscure, and happily, No Way is no exception. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi

1		Something Sweet
2		Lab Rats
3		As Good as New
4		Look
5		Bring Her Blues
6		Half of Half
7		Anything You Say
8		Road
9		Days Away
10		Out for a Walk
11		Ropa Vieja
12		Sinner Man

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