| Artist |
| Tenek |
| Title |
| Stateless |
| Format/Cat |
| CD |
| Label |
| Toffeetones |
| Style |
| Danceable hard-edged electropop |
| Date of review |
| January 2009 |
| Reviewer |
| Carl Jenkinson |
| Rating |
| 8/10 |
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Geoff Pinkney & Pete Steer are living proof that, if you believe in yourself & refuse to let setbacks get you down then you'll eventually get your reward. Both have had long careers in the UK electronic music scene, dating back to the late 80s in both cases. In fact, they worked together as Glasshouse for a while in the 90s & Geoff enjoyed some success in the early noughties as part of The Nine, but, overall, both have struggled to get where they want to be. However, by reuniting as Tenek & signing to the Toffeetones label, there's a sense of optimism in the air & this debut album proves that it's well deserved with a strong release that proves the duo's knack of writing infectious but complex & sonically adventurous songs has plenty going for it. So while many synthpoppers opt for a minimalist feel Tenek do exactly the opposite; indeed, listen to any of these songs & there's plenty going on beneath the infectious exterior (the gritty guitar samples that grace the opening 'Breakdown' being one obvious example) but it's their songwriting talents that will win them many admirers with the preceeding singles 'If I Should Fall' & 'Where's The Time?' proving as enjoyable as ever while the ultra-catchy electro/disco ditty that is 'I Won't Cry (For You)' & the lively closer 'My Submission', which is the closest the duo come to returning to their 80s routes, all seem set to become future favourites. It's great to see Geoff & Pete back in business with an enthusiastic label behind them (in the UK this time, as well!) & with a busy gig schedule being put together, including a slot at the Pluswelt festival in Germany, then 2009 could well be Tenek's year!
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