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Between the work of his pioneering band
Fridge and the early Four Tet albums, Kieran Hebden did more than help invent "folktronica"; like all artists worth their salt he pushed the boundaries of the form before they were even drawn. Ecstatic is a fiercely rhythmic rollercoaster ride. The opening track, "A Joy," is a bass-heavy number that updates "No More Mosquitoes" from 2001's
Pause. The staggered, double drum kit sound on the deliriously woozy, aptly titled "Smile Around the Face," is what the Boredoms might sound like in collaboration with
Fraggle Rock . That sounds ridiculous but it's true. Elsewhere, chimes, gongs, bells and whistles enliven this poppy, woozy electronic record. You might even call the whole thing mystical, especially when lost inside the eight minute "Sleep, Eat Food, Have Visions."
-Mike McGonigal
Product Description
On his fourth proper LP, KIERAN HEBDEN returns with his most musically challenging record to date, a drum-heavy explosion of boombasticism, marches, breakdowns, and space. Placing abstract into a container of beautronica, this is an album of hope, experimentation, & reach.