Tag Archives: Bonobo

On Record – Various Artists: Shapes 25 (Tru Thoughts)

Posted on by
Reply

by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Since 1999, Brighton’s Tru Thoughts label have produced an annual Shapes compilation, showcasing the best of the label while offering rarities and remixes. As a way in to their output it has been consistently rewarding, while fans have the chance to expand their collections with the new music on offer.

The 25th instalment from label head Robert Luis stays true to the program, split into two parts. The first offers a taste of soul, downtempo and jazz releases, while part two heads to the club for some dancefloor action.

What’s the music like?

Typically varied and vibrant.

It feels right for Luis to start with Bonobo, the zither adding colour to Terrapin – taken from his debut album Animal Magic that the label released in 2001. Quantic is another essential inclusion, and Look Around The Corner has the irresistible combination his production quality and Alice Russell’s wonderful vocals. Nostalgia 77’s Cheney Lane is a highlight, as are The Bamboos, Kylie Auldist a guest on their breezy I Don’t Wanna Stop. Meanwhile Steven Bamidele’s enchanting Kaleidoscope is complemented by a smoky groove from the Hidden Orchestra’s Spoken.

Two extended mixes in the centre of the compilation are both winners – Obas Nenor’s loping dub remix of Sefi Zisling’s The Sky Sings, and Hot 8 Brass Band’s Sexual Healing cover, a triumph that you surely will have heard by now.

Quantic whips up another treat with Furthest Moment, before Omar & Zed Bias’s irresistible Dancing, featuring Fox. Tiawa’s Soldiers is a lovely bit of funk, while hazy sunshine pokes through in STR4TA’s warm remix of Anushka’s Bad Weather. Magic Drum Orchestra bring the carnival with Ragga Samba, Ebi Soda goes left field with Yoshi Orange, then the king of dubstep Zed Bias saves one of the best cuts until last with his remix of Sandunes’ Follow Me.

Does it all work?

It does – Shapes 25 catches the essence of Tru Thoughts, a huge range of colourful music.

Is it recommended?

Very much so. If by some freak of nature you’ve not heard the music of Tru Thoughts yet, this is the ideal place to start. Be prepared for a long journey of wonderful discoveries!

Listen and Buy

Published post no.2,335 – Friday 18 October 2024

New music – Bonobo: Expander (Ninja Tune)

Posted on by
Reply

published by Ben Hogwood, with text appropriated from the press release

Released on Ninja Tune, Expander cuts a slice of unmistakable Bonobo, deftly weaving organic vocals and instrumentation with peak-time dance-floor sensibilities that set it up to become one of the songs of the summer. Following his recent roadblock set on Glastonbury’s LEVELS stage, numerous clips of the unreleased track begin circulating online, with fans clamouring for an ID.

The track is already a staple at his legendary OUTLIER sets, an event series curated by Bonobo which shows his continued influence as a DJ and also the reverence a new generation of artists hold for his own releases. Joining him on DJ line ups over the last year have included Barry Can’t Swim, DJ Koze, Sofia Kourtesis, salute, Kelly Lee Owens, Mall Grab, DJ Tennis, Dixon, TSHA, SG Lewis, Young Marco, Kerri Chandler, Carlita, Elkka, HAAi, John Talabot, Paula Tape amongst others. The 15,000 capacity event at Drumsheds in London was the fastest selling event of the season. Bonobo also recently played “Expander’ when going b2b with Disclosure at their Friends & Family pop-up in LA.

Expander sees Bonobo continue his stellar run of heavier, club-inspired tracks released in between albums. Following, as it does, his 2022 singles Defender and ATK, the subsequent single Fold — a collaboration with Jacques Green — and 2020’s anthemic NYC disco-inspired Heartbreak 12” with Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.

Published post no.2,271 – Thursday 15 August 2024

Switched On – Bonobo: Fragments (Ninja Tune)

Posted on by
Reply

bonobo

reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Perhaps surprisingly, this is the first album from Bonobo in five years. Simon Green – whose pseudonym this is – describes his new record as the most emotionally intense record that he has ever had to make. As with previous releases he takes a number of guest vocalists with him on the journey, dovetailing those tracks with instrumentals.

What’s the music like?

Familiar. If you have heard Bonobo’s music before, the manner of its construction on Fragments will tick a number of boxes. Beautifully orchestrated, the instrumentals work well with the broken beats that Green employs, which have more power and depth this time.

The vocal guests complement his sensitive work with some meaningful lyrics. There are strong contributions from Joji, Kadhja Bonet, Jamila Woods and O’Flynn, but pick of the turns is from Jordan Rakei, who lends a powerful tug to the heartstrings on Shadows.

The thicker set grooves may be welcome, but does the familiarity of Bonobo’s sound breed contempt? Certainly the chopped up vocals on Age Of Phase feel familiar, very much a continuation of what Bonobo does best. Rosewood is also a characteristically moody instrumental with vocal snippets, though Otomo is more acidic, dropping a heavy set beat. On the calmer side the shuffling beats of the comforting Closer work well, while the silvery strings to close out Tides are reminiscent of Ravel. Elysian also has alluring strings, especially when teamed with a harp.

Does it all work?

It does, but the feeling persists that this is music we have heard before – and possibly in more meaningful colours. In spite of the emotion invested by Green the music does feel grey at times. That may seem harsh on Bonobo, for the music is beautifully constructed and executed, but it is more than a little downbeat in a way we have experienced before.

Is it recommended?

It is for Bonobo devotees, as there are some good moments here – and especially the Jordan Rakei contribution – but for those new to his sound an album from earlier in his output, such as Black Sands, is arguably the best place to start.

Stream

Buy