Four Tet’s shows have never had such a clash of audiences. Some know Kieran Hebden as the grandfather of a certain introspective strain of UK club music; others know him as part of a trio – alongside Britain’s new UK bass royalty Fred Again and dubstep antagonist turned man-bun enthusiast Skrillex – who headlined this year’s Coachella after subbing in last-minute for Frank Ocean. As such, the audience tonight is loaded with uni students keen to see Fred Again and Skrillex, and fortysomethings wanting to hear Rounds. It’s the latter who get their wish.
Far from the main-stage antics of Coachella, Four Tet’s latest concert in collaboration with lighting artists Squidsoup shows he is still in the business of creating sincere and disarming electronic experiences. A matrix of coloured lights hangs from the ceiling and surrounds the crowd. Young and old, excitement swells from the audience as they swarm in and out of the setup.
