An engaging and well-developed audio conversation...
23 · 09 · 2025
The announcement of this collaboration sparked quite a bit of intrigue. Four Tet's Kieran Hebden is a prominent figure in electronic music, while William Tyler is known as a Primitive guitarist and a creator of enriched Americana. However, if you look deeper, you'll find shared roots – Four Tet's early 2000s music was labeled folktronica due to its use of natural, analog sounds, while William Tyler's work incorporates both the electric guitar and the essence of electricity.
This leads us to the essence of ‘41 Longfield Street Late ‘80s’, a wonderfully enriching and fully realized partnership. Both artists find common ground, creating a delightful dynamic interplay. It’s far from being just ‘William Tyler remixed’ or ‘Four Tet unplugged’; rather, it’s an evocative, intriguing musical conversation between two esteemed musicians.
The track ‘If I Had A Boat’ exemplifies this seamless dialogue, transitioning from delicate guitar sequences to serene digital elements. The album shines brightest when it ventures into unfamiliar territory, pushing both artists beyond their usual boundaries. For instance, ‘I Want An Antenna’ resembles a sound sculpture akin to Godspeed You! Black Emperor, while the subtle chill of ‘Timber’ offers a beautifully understated auditory experience.
When they go all out, it’s truly a delight – ‘When It Rains’ features impressive guitar work from William Tyler, blending Primitive fingerpicking with Martin Taylor’s improvisational style. Meanwhile, ‘Loretta Guides My Hands Through The Radio’ stays so low-key that it seems to sink into the ground, its fuzzy electronic sound embracing unpredictability.
Closing with the remarkable ‘Secret City’, this isn’t an album meant to be quickly consumed – take the time to explore its depths and engage with its creative exchanges. This unique and captivating collaboration leaves you hoping it’s the beginning of more to come from this duo, rather than the end.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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This collaboration announcement has certainly raised eyebrows. Kieran Hebden, known as Four Tet, is a prominent figure in the electronic music scene, whereas William Tyler...