Ringer

Ringer, Four Tet’s 2008 mini album, continues the producers’ move, musically speaking, from the country to the city, from meandering folk-tinged electronica and Arcadian trip hop to a more machine-based, club-influenced sound. Opening with a techno-Krautrock flavoured tune built from a single repeating synth arpeggio which twists and churns its way through various peaks and troughs without ever really resolving, Ringer’s four tracks contain less ragged sample blurring than previous Four Tet outings, and more synths and club-friendly beats, although he steadfastly refuses to use any kind of orthodox kick/snare/high hat techno patterns, and many of the rhythms here are implied rather than stated. The elongated nature of the tracks leave lots of room for the repetition to work its particular magic while Hebden’s ever-inventive programming and sound manipulation create a momentum and progression of their own.