It was the release of 'Oceans' from Perth producer, TENRU, that initially caught my attention a little while ago, and it seems I started listening at the right time, as he went a dropped a full EP not long after!
Comprised of four tracks (and a bonus fifth when you purchase the EP from his Bandcamp), there is a hell of a lot of talent on display in this self-titled release. Taking leads from his contemporaries like other local hero Oisima, or XXYYXX, Bonobo or Caribou on a bigger level, each track is an intricate, intense, yet blissful aural journey that I just can't get enough of.
From opening track 'Ever See', with its deep hip-hop roots and ambient electronica, the sounds are notably different from what was first heard in 'Oceans'. The crisp, lively beats; the echoing, soulful vocal samples; the relaxed synth lines - each element is thought out and carefully considered in 'Ever See', which is the perfect lead into the even more chilled 'Oceans'.
Lush and sprawling, 'Oceans' is fitting of such a title, as the sounds and name combine to provoke imagery to completely suit the nature of the song. The spliced vocals samples, drum kicks and, again, subtle synth lines create a groove you can't help but get lost in. Tenru revisits this in third track, 'Warm Welcome', which sees things get a little more upbeat, but still never venturing too far out of that total bliss out vibe he is going for. A little more dynamic than just focusing solely on the groove, 'Warm Welcome' sees the producer showing off a little more variety, and a lot more of what he's capable of.
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Final track 'Changing Koto' is where things get really clever. The layering and intricacy of his production is flawless, with a gradual build and a less-is-more approach. You find yourself eagerly listening to where the track will go, waiting for it to drop as it continues to swell.
Tenru's Self-Titled EP is available for purchase now via his Bandcamp (it's only $4, go on!) The sky is the limit for this Perth boy, and we cannot wait to see what he does next!
Words by Emma Jones.
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