Immersing yourself in a Bonobo disc is not a mind-blowing experience. Simon Green, the creator behind this pseudonym, always seems to be looking for the balance point between dancing pulsations and comfortable atmosphere. He relies mainly on enveloping sounds, in which he injects a hint of tension here and there, without ever shocking the ear.
Posted at 1:30 p.m.
Fragments fits perfectly into this aesthetic trajectory. We can see that Simon Green is speeding up the tempo a bit, but without ever asserting his house desires too much. You don’t feel obligated to do more than beat time while nodding your head, even in a piece like Ottomo, which nevertheless stands out pleasantly from the whole with its insistent rhythm and choirs that seem to raise their arms to the sky.
Bonobo, in fact, is better at synthesizing the electronic music of the last 20 years than at exploring new territories. Fragments does not shake anything, but benefits from an impeccable production, rich in melodies and filled with successful collaborations, without being striking: the New Zealander Jordan Rakei, for example, brings a touch of soul to Shadows, a rather dreamy track, while Jamila Woods, originally from Chicago, brings a little warmth to Tides, rather sad song.
Fragments is the kind of record we listen to without totally entrusting our ears to it, to add color (and even a little energy) to a weekday afternoon.
Electronic/Pop
Fragments
bonobos
ninja tunes