Picked!

Despite a more than solid record of releases on Planet E and Cadenza, Chris Spero a.k.a. Glimpse has not quite received the amount of attention as some of his label-mates. If our instincts are to be trusted, this is quickly going to change however with the release of his debut album 'Runner'.

Appearing on Damian Lazarus' expertly curated Crosstown Rebels imprint, 'Runner' is an ambitious, almost universal house album. It embraces the old and the new, links back modern European house styles to their classic US roots, and reflects both the introspective and hedonistic sides of house music.

'Runner's influences are diverse and range from Caribbean marimba jams on the opening 'Walk Tall' to opulent ambient electronica on the album's final track 'Train In Austria'. Yet Glimpse manages to maintain a signature handwriting throughout, skilfully employing echoing vocals, shuffling percussions and spacious chords in his atmospheric tracks.

Our favourites include the thumping deep house R&B of 'If I Was A Girl', released as the album's single, and the sublime 'I Know I Show It', with its thundering claps, walking bass-line and percussive piano licks. 'Runner' is a superbly crafted album throughout however and stands highly recommended for summer listening, lounging, and - of course - dancing.