Four Tet's Beats Win Out Against Rock Onslaught at Leeds Festival

While the argument that dance music lacks a visual focus may hold true with Four Tet (or Kieran Hebden as he's known to his mum), there's no denying that what emerges from his onstage knob-twiddling activities is aimed squarely at the feet.

For sure, it's a tough gig and not least because not only is the modestly-sized Dance Tent tucked away in a discreet corner of the Main Stage arena, Hebden's also competing with the overgrown tantrums of the reformed Limp Bizkit in the near distance at Saturday teatime, a time of day more associated with football results and thinking about getting off the sofa. However, as exemplified by the beats, bleeps and basslines that eminate from the PA, this is to be chalked up as something of a major victory.


While the fans that dance around the intimate tent seem as out of place as he does in the face of dyed-in-the-wool rock fans, the charm that makes current album 'There is Love in You' so utterly seductive is gloriously translated.

The clipped beats and loops of 'Sing' becomes an early festival highlight, while the stuttering delights of 'Angel Echoes' prove why time and day matter not a jot when there's dancing to be done.