Four Tet

Four Tet, aka Kieran Hebden, has been a busy boy this year, he's already released a 16 track album, Sixteen Oceans, as well as the 4T Recordings EP and Baby single. Earlier in the year Hebden teamed up with Thom York and Burial to collaborate on the singles Her Revolution and His Rope and he's already got work planned in the pipeline with Madlib for Sound Ancestors. As if that were not enough for one year Kieran decided to drop not one but two new albums simultaneously on Christmas Day.

The new Four Tet albums are titled Parallel and 871. Both are over an hour long and both are equally unique. Parallel is a ten track sonic exploration that starts with an epic 26m46s track, Parallel 1. The quite magnificent audible beauty that Kieran Hebden has created is something to behold. Hebden takes you through gentle undulations and delicately shifting patterns, subtly changing the direction and rhythm with a deft, gossamer touch.  

Continue reading: Four Tet - Parallel and 871 Album Review

Kieran Hebden, AKA Four Tet, has spent the last two decades delivering some of the most blissful and smooth tunes in electronic music. Across records such as 'Rounds', 'There Is Love In You' and most recently 2017's 'New Energy', the London producer has injected his sound with the prettiest melodies, firm grooves and a transcendent sense of zen. This all often comes together in his music to offer an overall mystically peaceful, yet grounded and danceable atmosphere, so you can both relax and bop to it. He hits London's Alexandra Palace for a one-of-a-kind show.

Even before Four Tet starts, it's a very unique set-up to this show. There's a platform with Four Tet's gear in the middle of the huge, cathedral-like Alexandra Palace, surrounded by lots of dangling bulb lights. An hour or two before Four Tet even starts people are huddled amongst the hanging lights, that are dull for now, no doubt to make sure they're close but also with much glee and curiosity of what said lights will bring.

When it does get to the show, Four Tet kicks things off with the throbbing but wistful 'Planet' to much bopping. The way this track marries pulsing clicks and eastern sitar noodling creates an atmosphere that's both club-like and spiritual. The lights begin to go into all kinds of sequences from an overall field of multiple colours to patterns that are like a swarm of rainbow, dazzling bees. He plays much from 'New Energy', with tracks like 'Two Thousand And Seventeen' continuing the ethereal-rave vibes. 

Continue reading: Four Tet - Alexandra Palace, London 08.05.2019 Live Review

This year's Parklife has quite possibly one of the most appealing line-ups for a UK festival - especially such a small one - that has been seen for some time. Never mind the main stages - you can pretty much ignore the main headliners (Example and Plan B) altogether - just look at that DJ line-up; it's like a house fan's wet dream. But there's so much more than pop stars and house and dance acts lighting up the line-up as rock, hip hop and more are on offer at the Manchester festival.

High up on the list (and deservedly so) we have the Queen of alternative electro Jessie Ware, proving just how much can change in a year in the music business. The London-based singer/songwriter was practically unknown when she released her seminal debut Devotion last year and now she's rubbing shoulders with the likes of Rita Ora and Johnny Marr. Also towards the top of the list are The Horrors who may even have some new offerings for the crowd when they play the Now Wave stage on Sunday night. The Maccabees, King Krule and Liars should appease those looking for some more forward-thinking indie too. It's a shame to see Toro Y Moi so far down the list, but what better way to get you into the mood for the rest of Sunday than the disco-infused indie pop of Chaz Bundick? If Sunday is going to be a party, Chaz is the man to get everyone in that all-day party mood.

The festival organisers have especially outdone themselves with the selection of hip-hop on offer too, with the newly reformed Jurassic 5 standing out as one of the potential highlights of the weekend. There's a quality selection of new school heroes as well, with New Yorkers Action Bronson and wunderkind Joey Bada$$ looking like tantalising prospects, and don't be surprised if Joey brings some of his Pro Era cohorts with him. Also, one of rap's most electrifying and entertaining stars Danny Brown will have hip-hop heads writhing in anticipation when he brings his brand of alternative hip-hop to the Hudson Mohawke curated stage on Sunday. His first proper album Old comes out soon, and what a better place to show it off than here?

Continue reading: Parklife Festival 2013 Preview