Four Tet - Pause
(Domino)
2001 is the year of Kieran Hebden's personal German invasion. Last month
(September 2001, for those in the future) saw the release of his band
Fridge's remarkable U.S. debut Happiness. This month brings us not
only Fridge's first U.S. tour, but also Hebden's first U.S. release under
the Four Tet moniker.
Like many of Hebden's countrymen, such as Mouse on Mars or Tied + Tickled
Trio, neither of whom Four Tet really resembles, Four Tet brings together
many disparate elements, sound sources, and instruments. The music
pursues its own melodic and rhythmic direction, yet, as with those other
progressive German artists, it never strays too far from pleasing
sounds. Inventive without being off-putting, compelling without being
difficult. Four Tet particularly, even when compared to Fridge, has a pop
sense that makes Pause a remarkably enjoyable record.
The opening is brilliant: the clacking of a keyboard segues into the
rolling drum rhythms and elliptical acoustic guitar melody of "Glue of the
World." A similar idea is worked in "Everything is Alright," where hyper,
jazz-infected drums are mixed up with acid-folk guitar and piano (or,
"Untangle," which mixes electro beats and a harp). "No More
Mosquitoes" gets sonically a bit heavier, with its big beats, squiggling
electronics and sinister wah wah, but is nicely accented by a child's
repeated intonation of the phrase, "oh no, no, no more
mosquitoes." Tracks like "Parks," or "You Could Ruin My Day," with its
quick harpsichord, sounding like Cocteau Twin's "Blue Bell Knoll," work a
more reflective, down beat vibe just as effectively as any other track on
the disc.
Hebden, as his work with both Four Tet and Fridge demonstrate, is a
musician of unusual skill and versatility, who will hopefully receive
commensurate recognition.
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