Pause

Domestic US pressing. As one-third of the unique, genre-bending Fridge, Kieran Hebden has already established himself as a vital creative force blurring the lines between rock, jazz, electronic, and ambient. Two years since the release of "Dialogue," the debut by his solo project Fourtet, he has solidified this standing with "Pause" -- a dramatic shift in style, sound, and feel from its predecessor. "Pause" shows maturity in its employment of a more distinctive range of sonics, from incidental rustlings and playground field recordings to delicate melodic flourishes and audacious rhythmic sculptures. Though directed by tough, surefooted beats, "Pause" is a soothing listen. A definite step forward, this album knows where it is going and how to get there.