Four Tet - Ringer EP (Domino)
3/5
By: Andrew Misuraca
Kieran Hebden returns as Four Tet with a four-track exercise in minimalist techno.
It kicks off with the eponymous Ringer; drawing on his obvious Steve Reich influence he masterfully lays loop upon syncopated keyboard loop over an understated four on the floor bass drum and a hi-hat pattern that serves as an electro clave with nary a snare in sight. Ever present is his elegant sense of restraint, patient and terse, building to the point of repetitiveness by which time he's introduced a new element, skilfully staving off boredom and turning it into something enthralling. Not bad for just over ten minutes.
'Ribbons' picks up the pace a touch with some bubbly keyboard runs and more movement in the beat whilst the organ drone of 'Swimmer' and its insistent bass drum keeps you waiting for the beat to finally drop. When it never does, you feel it may be a touch over long...
We close with 'Wing Body Wing', a chirpy little number lead by rhythmic nuances that tie together the previous three tracks by re-using elements of each.
Overall, Ringer does well to stay clear of the skip-a-track relegation zone, but above all, as with most Four Tet, it's definitely a lazy day headphone listen.
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