The Running

Exclusively featured on Citizenfreak, The Running is the debut and only album by Vancouver-based band The Running, led by the visionary Sacha Spindler. Released in 1991, the album is a testament to Spindler’s passion for songwriting, engineering, and production, showcasing his innovative approach to creating atmospheric and emotionally resonant music.

As one of the earliest independent CD's to emerge from Canada’s West Coast, The Running captures the spirit of Vancouver’s thriving indie scene of the early 1990s and remains a rare gem in Canadian music history.

Top Tracks
The album delivers a cohesive listening experience, but tracks 1 through 5 and 9 are particular standouts, exemplifying The Running’s blend of ambient textures, introspective lyrics, and rich production:

“She”: A haunting and emotionally charged piece, “She” blends poetic lyrics with intricate arrangements. Co-written by Sacha Spindler, Dave Morello, and Dan Yaremko, the track features Larry Anschell on bass and Martin Simpson on guitar, with dynamic interplay that enhances its introspective narrative. Lyrics like “Your silence was the key to my onward of your passion” resonate with haunting intensity, while the layered production makes it one of the album’s most memorable tracks.

“Prairie Gold”: This nostalgic track captures Spindler’s connection to his Alberta roots, reflecting on his upbringing in Calgary and the vast beauty of the prairies. Lyrics like “We lived a prairie youth, / We lived beneath the big sky” evoke memories of a simpler time, while the warm tones and shimmering ambiance reflect Spindler’s love for his homeland. This deeply personal song symbolizes the blending of his prairie past with his creative future, a journey that shaped the themes and sound of the album.

“The Holy Grace”: A dynamic and rhythmically driven track, “The Holy Grace” reflects the restless energy of city life with poetic lines like: “City streets at night, light the glow, / Produce the wave for after hours.” The combination of driving guitars, ambient textures, and introspective lyrics creates a track that is both energizing and reflective.

“Testament”: Written spontaneously during the recording sessions, “Testament” is a profound highlight of the album. Its evocative lyrics - “A perfect painted picture, / A seed before my eyes” - and lush, layered instrumentation showcase Spindler’s ability to create immersive sonic landscapes. For Spindler, it’s the track where his vision aligned most perfectly with execution, making it a deeply personal and standout piece on the record.

“On the Shore”: Closing the album, this meditative track immerses listeners in lush soundscapes, elevated by George Legere’s keyboard programming and Spindler’s atmospheric production techniques.

Production and Vision
At the heart of The Running is Sacha Spindler’s multifaceted role as songwriter, producer, and performer. Operating under the pseudonym Epidimus Mole, Spindler played bass, keyboards, and piano on most tracks, channeling his influences - Brian Eno, Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Alan Parsons - into a sound that feels both experimental and timeless.

Born in Calgary, Spindler’s journey into music began early, with influences from his prairie upbringing fueling his creativity. After moving to Vancouver at 21, Spindler immersed himself in the city’s vibrant music scene, enrolling at Capilano Music College and eventually building his own recording studio. These life experiences shaped the emotional and sonic landscapes of The Running.

The album was recorded at Profile Studios in Vancouver, with Spindler employing innovative production techniques such as reverse tracking, tape loops, mic’d hallway reverb, and layered pre-reverb compression to create expansive ambient soundscapes. These methods, inspired by pioneers like Eno and Alan Parsons, give the album its distinctive depth and texture.

The collaborative nature of the project is also evident in the contributions from a talented ensemble:

Dave Morello: Drums, vocals, and co-production, providing rhythmic and creative support throughout the album.
Martin Simpson, Ted Connolly, and Larry Anschell: Additional guitars and bass parts that enhance the arrangements.
Linda Sakal: Background vocals that add warmth and richness to the vocal layers.
George Legere and Andrew Jons: Keyboards and programming that elevate tracks like “On the Shore” and “Testament.”

Legacy and Exclusivity
Released at a time when Vancouver’s indie music scene was flourishing, The Running stands as a rare achievement of the era. Its exclusivity on Citizen Freak preserves its legacy, offering listeners a chance to experience a pivotal moment in Canadian independent music. As Spindler has noted, this album represents a creative odyssey, weaving together everything he had learned as a songwriter, producer, and engineer.

In Spindler’s own words, rediscovering The Running decades later has been an emotional experience, leading to reconnections with the musicians who made it possible and late-night listening sessions to appreciate its depth. Its inclusion in the Museum of Canadian Music's Top 1000 Albums of All Time cements its significance as an essential piece of Canada’s musical history.

Final Thoughts
The Running is more than an album - it’s an immersive journey into the mind of a deeply creative artist. With standout tracks like “She,” “Prairie Gold,” “The Holy Grace,” and “Testament,” the album showcases Sacha Spindler’s passion for pushing the boundaries of songwriting and production. The seamless blend of ambient textures, introspective lyrics, and innovative techniques creates a work that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

Exclusively available on Citizenfreak, The Running is a hidden gem that deserves recognition as a vital piece of Canada’s rich musical legacy. Whether you’re a fan of ambient rock, progressive music, or simply enjoy uncovering rare treasures, this album is a must-listen for its creativity, innovation, and timeless appeal.
-Robert Williston

Sacha Spindler: lead vocals, electric & acoustic guitars, background vocals
Epidimus Mole (Sacha Spindler): bass, keyboards, piano
Dave Morello: drums, vocals