Four Tet

While Four Tet has long been close to the forefront of electronic music, a lot has happened since Kieran Hebden last released a full length under this name. The birth and rising popularity of dubstep has inspired other styles old and new, bleeding its way from underground clubs into the fringes of popular culture. The UK, in particular, seems to be alive with innovation and enthusiasm. Electronic music has never felt more exciting, and while Four Tet may have once been seen as an innovator, he returns with 'There is Love in You' into a crowded market.

For the most part the record rekindles the techno pulse from 2008’s 'Ringer' EP, surrounding it with idyllic twinkles and bleeps that have a surface beauty even before they are arranged into songs. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Four Tet album if these more recognisable sounds weren’t joined by more obscure ones, for example the recording of his godson’s heartbeat which makes up the 12 second interlude 'Pablo’s Heart'. Despite this textured approach, however, very little feels superfluous and the record feels perfectly contained.

Hebden’s use of space is remarkable, in particular during the longer songs of which the album appears to be built around. Lead single, 'Love Cry', is a good example of this, at nine minutes long it has time to build and breathe making even the slightest gear change feel spectacular. Meanwhile 'Reversing' uses space entirely differently; removing the clutter to create a beautiful ambient work that offers a nice break from the thump of the bass drum.

Having flirted with so many varying genres in the past, it’s pleasing to hear that Hebden has retained his focus. While on the surface 'There is Love in You' could seem fairly straightforward, within its folds you can almost trace the path Hebden has followed to get to this point. From classic Four Tet trademarks such as the spliced vocal sample on 'Angel Echoes', to jazz rhythms surely inspired by his work with Steve Reid; every new project Hebden undertakes seems to inform the next one. Bringing everything together on 'There is Love in You', Four Tet has crafted a blissful and absorbing album that reaffirms his position as a leader in his field.

There Is Love In You is out 25th January on Domino.

www.myspace.com/fourtetkieranhebden / www.dominorecordco.com

Words by Kyle Ellison