Percussions – Bird Songs

Percussions first appeared on Four Tet’s often-excellent Fabric mix from earlier this year, with an unreleased track called ‘Percussions One’. It seems pretty clear that it is the work of Hebden himself, although he has remained tight-lipped.

‘Bird Songs’ is the A-side to the debut Percussions release, forthcoming on Hebden’s own Text label, and it is one of the most addictive tracks of the year so far. The familiar, bucolic crunch that characterises so many of Four Tet’s productions is here in abundance, but it is corralled into a tight, techy structure supported by implacable kicks and adorned with parrot squawks. It’s simple, it’s beautifully produced, and I’ve listened to it so many times today that I’m worried I will soon be able to communicate only through bird noises.

‘Bird Songs’ / ‘Rabbit Songs’ is available for pre-order now from Text.