Rating: NNNN
Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet) first teamed up with noted jazz/Motown drummer Steve Reid (James Brown, Miles Davis, Sun Ra) back in 2006 to collaborate on The Exchange Sessions. On their fourth joint effort, the unlikely pair – who refer to each other as musical soulmates – blend Reid’s acoustic drumming with Hebden’s electro-wizardry to create textured, atmospheric soundscapes backed by Reid’s ride-heavy jazz kit.
Despite repetitive structures and an average song length of over seven minutes, the duo hold interest with their sterling musicianship and artfully detailed performances. No indie remixes here, just musicians’ music that actually earns its keep.
Top track: Departure is Rotten to the core.
