In addition to his work as guitarist with The Co-Operators, Sam 'Chip' Huelin is also the driving force behind Run Come Down, the outfit behind this excellent 'Run The Track' album.
By Jah Rebel
For the vocal side of things, Sam called on a number of trusted collaborators including Joe Yorke, Shniece McMenamin, Blackout JA, Junior Morgan, Kiko Bun, and Aleighcia Scott. The result? A track list featuring five vocal cuts, two dubs, and just as many instrumentals, all killers, no fillers!
Title track ‘Run The Track’ opens the album with an instrumental, highlighting Chip’s guitar work and synth textures. Frequent collaborator Joe Yorke hits his stride once again on ‘Fighting For My Life’, while the Bristol-based singer of Italian-Panamanian descent, Kiko Bun, delivers a standout rootsy performance on ‘The Fire It Burns’, complete with a superb dub follow-up in ‘The Dubwise It Burns’.
Another highly infectious track is ‘What Dem After’, a vibrant exchange between Sheffield’s own Aziza Jaye and Bristol rapper Dur Brain. The catchy hook - “I was in a church singing hallelujah…” - is guaranteed to stick in your head after just one listen!
Aleighcia Scott brings the sweetness with ‘Can’t Be A Fool’, a fine slice of lovers rock, while ‘Final Offer’ closes the album on a high, a warm instrumental featuring Jacob Zoob (trombone), Piers Tamplin (sax) and Simon Alexander (trumpet). This one too comes with its own dub companion, ‘Final Dubwise’, where Waggle Dance producer Eeyun Purkins joins in on the kette drum. Our personal favourite from the track list? That would be ‘The Reasoning’, an outstanding collab featuring Junior Morgan and a fired-up Blackout JA. ‘Run The Track’ is Bristol at its best!
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
November 30, 2024