Ringer

iTunes Review

Since the tail end of the 20th century, Four Tet — aka one-man band Kieran Hebden — has consistently crafted engaging, and tasteful-without-being-dull electronic music. Words like “organic” and “folktronica” have been used to describe Four Tet’s output and for good reason: Hebden brings a sense of warmth that betrays his experience playing in indie rock bands. On albums like Pause (2001) and Rounds (2003), there is a near perfect balance of experimentation and accessibility, and Hebden has a way with melody and riff that pleasures the listener. Ringer is more stripped-down and techno-y than his older albums, and three of the four cuts point to Krautrock, an influence that became apparent on Everything Ecstatic (2005). The opening title track sports shimmering fiddle-like tones that send shivers up the spine, while “Ribbons” throbs and pings with aural excitement. The droney “Swimmer” hypnotizes as ever-mutating details and low-key propulsive elements emerge. The album leaves Deutschland behind and heads toward Africa and the disco for its closer. With its insistent pulse and sizzling percussion, “Wing Body Wing” could go over nicely in your local techno or house club. Watery sound droplets and bursts of guitar noise fleck this groovy send-off.