The heartbeat rhythm that opened "Hands" on Four Tet's 2003 release Rounds is nowhere to be found here. Instead, Everything Ecstatic opens with a skuzzy bass loop, and soon launches into the polyrhythmic workout of "A Joy." For me, it makes for a far more enthralling introduction.
The heartbeat rhythm that opened "Hands" on Four Tet's 2003 release Rounds is nowhere to be found here. Instead, Everything Ecstatic opens with a skuzzy bass loop, and soon launches into the polyrhythmic workout of "A Joy." For me, it makes for a far more enthralling introduction. Kieran Hebden has varied his technique here; on previous albums, he allowed his samples to stretch out and meander a bit, while here he makes use of smaller phrases and layers them far more effectively. "Smile Around the Face" is the album's most upbeat song, featuring a buzzing melody, handclaps, and small fragmentary samples. The first three tracks here (not counting a 23 second clip of a live sound check) are arguably the strongest. On the album highlight "Sun Drums and Soil," percussion builds to a throbbing din, while samples gradually flow in and out of the composition. As Hebden tastefully layers more and more samples and drums, the song slowly builds to a crescendo that is put over the top by his relentless keyboard samples, free-jazz horn, and heavily treated vocals. The second half of the album, though not as strong as the first, is still consistent. On "High Fives," a vibraphone sample is repeated throughout the song on top of a hip-hop beat while other samples, such as turntable scratches and electronic chirps fade in and out. The closer, "You Were There With Me," is a piece featuring wind chimes, xylophone, and gong samples slowly ringing, providing a meditative end to what may be Four Tet's most intense and challenging offering.
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