What makes Paws by Four Tet notable?

Paws received critical acclaim for its inventive approach to electronic music, contributing to Four Tet's rising profile in the UK underground scene. The EP helped solidify his reputation as a key player in the evolving landscape of early 2000s electronica, influencing subsequent artists and genres. Released in 2001, Paws marked Four Tet's second EP following his debut album, Dialogue. At this point in his career, Kieran Hebden was establishing himself as an innovative figure in the electronica scene, pushing boundaries with his experimental soundscapes and sampling techniques.

How many songs are on Paws?

Paws has 4 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

Paws

Four Tet · 2001

20 min · 4 tracks · electronica

A textured journey through playful rhythms and intricate sampling, blending ambient sounds with a distinct electronic edge.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Glue of the Other World — This opening track embodies the EP's essence with its rich layers of sound, setting a contemplative mood that resonates throughout the project.
→
Hilarious Movie of the 90's (Koushik's Funny Flic) — The track showcases Four Tet's signature playful sampling and rhythmic experimentation, offering a glimpse into his unique sonic palette.
→
No More Mosquitoes (Boom Bip remix) — This remix highlights the collaborative spirit of the EP while introducing fresh perspectives on Four Tet's original compositions through its innovative beats.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Paws showcases innovative sampling and rhythm, solidifying Four Tet's unique voice in electronica.

What we noticed

The first track introduces a layered texture with ambient sounds that gradually build into a rhythmic pulse.
Each subsequent track explores variations on the initial themes, often incorporating playful sampling and intricate beat patterns.
The EP concludes with remixes that reinterpret earlier material, shifting the mood while maintaining a cohesive sound palette.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Paws helped solidify Four Tet's reputation in the UK underground scene.
Themes: playful sampling· ambient soundscapes· 90's nostalgia
Career context: Released in 2001, Paws marked Four Tet's second EP following his debut album, Dialogue. At this point in his career, Kieran Hebden was establishing himself as an innovative figure in the electronica scene, pushing boundaries with his experimental soundscapes and sampling techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Floating Points· Bonobo· Tycho