Black Sands is Bonobo’s fourth album and also his fourth on electronic label Ninja Tune, a great label that you should check out if you haven’t heard of it. Some would call this type of music trip-hop, instrumental hip-hop, or even jazzy downtempo. However you want to classify it, it deserves your attention. Black Sands was released on Ninja Tune March 23rd.
Bonobo is the stage name of British DJ/musician Simon Green who is currently touring with a live band performing Bonobo songs.
YAY :
- Most albums need a strong opener, or it’s at least recommended. When you see that the first track is called “Prelude” you’d probably expect it to be some type of throwaway lead-in track. When you find yourself whistling it throughout the day(it probably doesn’t hurt that the same string arrangement is in the second track) you realize how wrong that assumption is and how it sets the tone beautifully.
- This album just has a great sound. It’s very chill and almost relaxing at certain points while still managing to be engaging throughout.
- The production is very slick without being overpowering and getting in the way of the music. As a bassist I can’t help but love how a lot of the songs are bass driven and the bass lines are ‘sexy’. During the shows played with the live band Green plays bass, so I’m not surprised the bass is usually so prominent in the mix.
- The guest vocalist, Andreya Triana, has a very soft and soothing voice that fits the instrumentals quite well. I am definitely going to be keeping my eye on her work. She is currently touring with Bonobo and his live band. Her album will be released later in the year
NAY :
- A couple middle tracks – “1009″ and “All in Form” aren’t really on the same level as most of the other stuff on the album. I also wouldn’t fault you if you found the title track to be somewhat boring.
Black Sands is a great listen and even though I enjoyed Bonobo’s previous album Days to Come this is pretty far above it. This is great driving music and a great album to just chill to. One of the best of the year so far. If you’re a fan of electronic music in general you owe it to yourself to at least give this a listen.
Album Highlights: Tracks 1-5 , “The Keeper”, ”Stay the Same” & “Animals”
Check it out for yourself.
