Four Tet
Domino Records
(2008)
***
I can still recall that exhilarating feeling that accompanies a vivid dream involving flying. My body would soar sans machine to great heights, that, in comparison would pale Icarus’ ascent into the heavens. I’d say that feeling accurately captures the aural sensation provided by Ringer, the latest offering by Four Tet on Domino Records.

From the first few seconds of the opening track, Kieran Hebden takes a decided departure from the tried and true aesthetic that he pursued in past efforts. Although the song starts off with an effect reminiscent of the intro in “Mosquitoes,” a track from his earlier signature album, Pause , the song is transported to the steady 4/4 time signatures of the motorik rhythms and brooding ambiance of Krautrock. Yet as unexpected a turn, Hebden’s creative direction is a welcome surprise. By then, about four-fifths of the track have passed and the song ignites into a glorious percussive crescendo performed by the celebrated jazz drummer, Steve Reid, whom he’s worked closely with in the studio as well as onstage.

By and large, many are aware of Hebden’s unconventional rise to international recognition. After his second album, his samplings of folk and soft electronic effects really codified the folktronic genre. He quickly garnered a cult following and suddenly became the coveted opener for Radiohead on their European tour in 2003. His song, “Slow Jam” even snagged a high profile placement on the commercial for the Nike ad campaign.

What sets his work apart from other DJs’ and beatmakers’ is his keen sense of spatial awareness within the sonic universe he so deftly creates. Also true of Ringer , he concocts a syncretic blend of disco, afrobeat, and Krautrock with such pristine clarity that each specific musical quality is never lost upon the listeners. Owing partially to Hebden’s minimalist maxim, ‘less is more,’ his beats and electronic effects are used sparingly to create spaced-out arrangements. This makes him especially unique within the field of electronica, when such deconstructive meanderings in beat-making can tempt the most talented to overburden their tracks with layers upon layers of sound.

“Ribbons” mimicks the sensation of being underwater, with synthesizers shadowing the effects of bubbles that escape the diver’s mouth as he plummets deeper into the great blue abyss of music that Hebden so meticulously created; while the following track, “Swimmer”, sounds like the eerie, yet soothing echoes of movements underwater. Just as water typically represents the subconscious mind, this is the sort of meditative music that slips the conscious listener into an introspective mood as all great music should.

Another notable track, “Wing Body Wing” features a dense barrage of Reid’s frenetic polyrhythmic drumming spaced intermittently between Hebden’s vast and crystalline techno soundscape; naturally showcasing both artists at what they do best. While their synergy is apparent during incredible live perfomances in New York, the energy between the two during their recording sessions is also just as engaging.

Their thirty-two minute album is comprised of four instrumental gems.  It is a gentle sonic departure from his trademark sound, yet considering the originality and confidence that each lush track imbues, this album further reveals another facet to Hebden’s remarkably fresh career. After listening to Ringer , we’re convinced once again, that when it comes to cutting and rearranging sounds, we are in the presence of a master.

***
Kieran Hebden & Steve Reid: http://www.kieranhebdenandstevereid.com/
Four Tet: http://www.fourtet.net/site/site.php

via Sylvia Adams, 16 May 2008 1:10pm | |