Kieran Hebden has been hailed as the thinking man’s electronic producer for years now. Presiding over experimental electronic music for about ten years, Hebden’s work under the alias of Four Tet has always provided something introspective and irregular, starting with Dialogue, released in the late ’90s, and progressing throughout the years up until 2008’s Ringer. Hebden has also done some work with live instrumentalists under his own name, the most well-known collaboration being with legendary drummer Steve Reid. Since then, Hebden laid low, only releasing a small pressing of a beloved collaboration with former schoolmate Burial, the shady vinyl masterpiece that was 2009’s two-track release, Moth/Wolf Cub. But with a residency at London club staple Plastic People, Hebden began implementing more of a dancefloor influence on his tunes, in his own way of course. With the release of this new album, There Is Love In You, he’s shown his versatility in dancefloor culture while remaining true to his own soundscapes. The result of this new venture may be the most satisfying Four Tet experience since 2003’s release of Rounds.

Beginning almost immediately, the record is surrounded by a constant beat, starting with a cymbal on opener “Angel Echoes,” along with a gorgeous chorus of cut-up female vocal samples, soon followed by a calm kick drum and steady implementation of rich sounds, creating an introduction that is warm and inviting. It leads right into the single off the album, “Love Cry,” which has an ominous opening but soon thereafter leads into an attention-catching drumline. The ominous tone in the background and drums combine to create a sort of audio purgatory, one that will keep listeners at bay until the song opens itself up entirely. The kick drum returns to take over, then giving its spotlight to the rest of the track once again. Along with the slight touch of vocals saying the title, “Love Cry” is the perfect audible companion to a dancefloor finding its grooves. The kick drum lives on the next track, “Circling” which is a trip between broken chords in triplets, creating a web of harmony through the seconds of time, surrounded by a web of light synth work. It’s a lush piece of work that leads into a small piece of audio that peeks into Hebden’s personal life.

“Pablo’s Heart” is about ten seconds in length, but something extraordinary. It’s a recording of Hebden’s godson’s heartbeat, with some slight work done on the filtering, of course. The fade out leads into “Sing,” a playful house tune with easy-listen bass tones and a catchy keyboard line. It turns into something youthful, inviting and overwhelmingly fun. It challenges the listener to not have a smile on his face, whether he is dancing around or walking about, there’s magic in the tones. “This Unfolds” begins as the most downtempo track of the album, with drums and guitar creating a relaxed atmosphere, with a synth line that sounds like a beacon from outer space. Suddenly, the beat picks up and it’s like a space mission from the master of Italo disco, Giorgio Moroder. From start to finish, it’s a track that bears repeating, then bears looking up at the stars. The following track, “Reversing,” starts somewhat ambient, with dulcet tones in the background, sweeping at the end to the sounds of shaker. “Plastic People” is definitely a dedication to the residency at the aforementioned club, along with the people (make sure to check out Four Tet’s Much Love To The Plastic People mix out on the net). It’s truly a trip, from first tone to percussive breakdown and everything in between, and gorgeous from the moment of consumption until its segue into the closer, “She Just Likes To Fight.” The kick, remaining resilient from the beginning, drives into a balance between subtle tribal drums, keyboards and guitar. With more percussion and slight vocal samples added, it all ends up with a synthesizer taking over and bedazzling the final seconds of the track.

Absorbing this album will not be tough for first-time listeners of Four Tet or past fans alike, as its reach to anyone with a good set of ears will understand that records like these are not easy to come by nowadays. The title is absolutely perfect for this record, as There Is Love In You will relate to anyone in any one situation. People can mold it to their lives, their specific needs, problems or solutions. What’s evident is that Hebden poured his heart and soul into this collection of tunes, as every dripping ounce of love is heard loud and clear. What could be the best Four Tet record in ages is certainly an early competitor for one of the best albums of the year.

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