Kieran Hebden, aka Four Tet is obviously a busy man. He has been involved, and probably is at this very moment - in a myriad of projects. Whether it is producing, remixing or playing jazz (like with late great drummer Steve Reid), he seems to be everywhere.
Two problems with that. One is a ‘problem’ the other really is one. The ‘problem’ is a fact that he has not yet produced something that you would disregard or call unlistenable. Even if it is something strictly oriented for the dance floor, it still has enough interesting elements for you to pay attention.
That real problem is that he hasn’t made a proper album of his own in four years. “There Is Love In You”, formally isn’t either. It is a collection of nine remixes, of which two tunes appear in two versions (“Angel Echoes” and “Love Cry”), while “Sing” gets four of them. The only single ‘child is “Our Bells”.But when you sum it up, it is a proper album, since it includes such a variety of themes and interpretations that each tune stands on its own and with an individuality of its own.
The first three titles, Jon Hopkins and Caribou versions of “Angel Echoes” and Floating Points remix of “Sing”, are Four Tet at his best - original, inventive, accentuating both words in the phrase dance music. In these, more accent is put on the second word (and original at that), and less on the first, unless, of course you like the quirkier dances.
The two “Love Cry” versions (Joy Orbinson and Roska) and two central “Sing” remixes (Mosca and Banton’s Indian Chants) are the true dance floor stuff. Still, they have been done with such flair that even if you don’t like dance music, you will perk up your ears and at least give them a careful listen. Hendon makes you do that.
“Our Bells” is completely another kettle of fish and exemplifies what a wide spectrum of interests and musical talents Four Tet can express. It is something that would easily fit into the cannon of such modern classical composers as Steve Reich or Philip Glass.
The closing version of “Sing” with its precise dance floor beat and otherworldly vocals is ‘simply’ a recapitulation of what Four Tet is all about - great music, whether it is dance, jazz or even classical. Skip at your peril.
