A-Trak
I hate running. So it says a lot for A-Trak’s Running Man that it actually makes the idea of going out for a jog somewhat tolerable. The single 43-minute track is the third entry in the Nike+ Original Run series, following entries from Aesop Rock and the Hives, and finds A-Trak showcasing his skills as a fluid DJ, pairing spot-on samples with propulsive beats that keep the mix—and, theoretically, us—moving.
The set starts with a steady build in volume, introducing the DJ with a warped vocal sample repeating his name until the bass kicks in with an earbud-rattling backbeat just as well served on the dancefloor. And that’s just the warm-up. Running Man earns its ’80s-referencing title with its steady stream of boom-bap one-twos and subtle allusions in the synths. The backing of Vincent Price’s part of “Thriller” comes to mind about 13-and-a-half minutes in, and at 30 minutes, we’re rocking unadorned glossy synth-pop. But mainly, the consistent energy of the mix keeps it going, lending momentum to the music and to the listener. Periodic hooks lend encouragement: “Catch up!” and “Go!” pop up in the middle-to-end sections. Indeed, A-Trak’s got a specific goal with Running Man, and at that he succeeds. But that 43-minute excursion starts to get a little exhausting when we’re not in the mood for a work-out.
Standout Tracks: There’s only one! BRYAN REED
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