Album Review: Tensnake – Glow

Recognized for his smooth house lines, Marco Niemerski, better known as Tensnake, has dabbled in range of genres since finding his place in the deep house scene. Growing up amid the big pop era of the late 80s and early 90s and while gravitating towards his parents musical generation as a child with Ramones and The Who cover bands, according to an interview with the Huffington Post, it is safe to say the German-bred producer has a sprawling library of inspirations. Showcasing his diverse musical background, Tensnake attempts to tell a cohesive story with his debut album Glow, out today via Astralwerk.

Known for adhering to an unconventional sound at the time of his Tensnake inception, while hard style and bass heavy beats were dominating the soundwaves, Niemerski was bringing listeners glittering house productions with 90s pop sensibility. Revealing tunes like "Coma Cat" and "Show Me," four and five years ago, respectively, Tensnake delivered an uplifting vibe that the main stages weren't ready for, just yet. Now with help from the likes of Disclosure and Daft Punk's 2013 Get Lucky LP, the mainstream airwaves are engaging in moving melodies, airy vocals and rhythmic beats once again.

Beginning Glow by paying homage to one of the kings of pop music, Prince, with "Feel the Love," Tensnake collaborates with Jacques Lu Con and vocalist Jamie Lidell to deliver a modern take on disco-drenched pop. Then leading into the slow progression of "First Song," before returning to an upbeat funky 80s feeling with "Good Enough to Keep," Tensnake makes listeners believe they are moving into a happy-go-lucky debut LP. But before you can guess what's next, Tensnake unleashes "Holla" which seems to be a nod to the post-dubstep era taking place, currently led by the Disclosure brothers.

Through his 17-track development, Tensnake reveals a collection of influences, while highlighting the power of well-placed vocal hooks and unique instrumentals, which solute his predecessors. Eloquently conveying the uplifting capacity of house music, Niemerski creates an album that jumps between old school clubs vibes and the rising power of deep yet glimmering soundscapes. With quality productions mixed between the album's lead singles, "58 BPM", "See Right Through", "Love Sublime" and "No Relief," listeners can expect satisfying start-to-finish listen. With only a couple other serious standouts, Glow proves to be
quality first complete showing from the soon-to-be US-residing producer.

With an album tour underway in the US, as of this week, fans can catch Tensnake's glowing productions out West in Austin, San Fran and LA before he heads out to the East Coast.