Four Tet formally releases 'Wingdings' after years of glyph-circulated streams
The album features polished, dance-oriented tracks that have already accumulated millions of listens, with some songs previously released under the artist’s KH alias
Kieran Hebden, widely recognised under the musical alias Four Tet, has officially released a new album titled 'Wingdings'. The project, which was previously circulated online under an unpronounceable series of glyphs, is now available on Bandcamp and major streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz.
The album’s initial circulation presented technical challenges, as the glyph-based title and artist name rendered differently across various digital platforms. For instance, the visual representation of the name varied between YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. The formal release resolves these identification issues, allowing the project to be accessed under the clear title 'Wingdings'.
The tracks on 'Wingdings' have already garnered significant traction, accumulating millions of listens on services such as Spotify. The release follows a period where Hebden kept this particular alias somewhat secret, despite the music gaining considerable popularity online. The project appears to be a refinement of material that may have previously been considered secret b-side content.
Musically, the album leans towards Four Tet’s dancier outputs, featuring crushed 8-bit drums, hypnotic handpan grooves, and sharp synth melodies. The collection includes a variety of moods, ranging from deep four-on-the-floor house tracks to metallic gamelan-inspired melodies and comedown ambiance. The production is described as highly polished, with undeniable and infectious sound design.
Some tracks on the album were previously released under different circumstances. Track five, titled "Feelings," was dropped by Fred Again during a Boiler Room set under Hebden’s other alias, KH. The remaining tracks offer a range of experiences, from spiritual climaxes to grooves suitable for background listening, marking a significant formal debut for this previously obscure side project.
