Artist: Bonobo Album: The North Borders

Year: 2013
Duration: 59:0-1

A Critical Review of Bonobo's The North Borders

Bonobo, the stage name of Simon Green, is a British musician, producer, and DJ who rose to prominence in the downtempo and trip-hop scenes in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His music spans multiple genres, incorporating elements of jazz, world music, and electronica. One of his most notable works is The North Borders, released in 2013. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this album, exploring its genre, best tracks, innovative elements, and overall quality.

First, let's talk genre. The North Borders is a seamless blend of downtempo, electronic, and trip-hop, with a dash of jazz and world music. This mixture creates an evocative soundscape that is both mesmerizing and relaxing. The opening track, First Fires, sets the tone for the album, with haunting vocals by Grey Reverend interlaced with Bonobo's signature beats and lush orchestration. The album then flows seamlessly from track to track, taking the listener on a journey through different moods and atmospheres.

Now, let's dive into the best tracks of the album. Cirrus is a standout, with its hypnotic beat and catchy melody. Its music video features stunning visuals of a desert landscape, in perfect harmony with the music. Emkay is another favorite, with its funky bass line and upbeat rhythm. Towers, featuring Szjerdene on vocals, is a somber and atmospheric track that is both haunting and beautiful. Finally, Transits, the closing track, brings the album to a reflective and introspective end, with strings and piano creating a melancholic ambiance.

One thing that makes The North Borders stand out is its innovative use of live instrumentation. Bonobo collaborated with an orchestra to create a fully immersive and organic sound, which sets the album apart from many other electronic-based works. The use of field recordings and found sounds is also notable, adding a layer of authenticity and texture to the music.

Now, it's time for some constructive criticism. While The North Borders is a solid album, it occasionally falls into predictability. Some tracks, such as Sapphire and Jets, feel like they are retreading familiar territory, without bringing anything new to the table. Additionally, the album's pacing could have been improved by including a more dynamic flow between tracks.

In conclusion, Bonobo's The North Borders is a cohesive and atmospheric album, showcasing the artist's talent for blending genres and creating immersive soundscapes. While it may not be without its flaws, the album's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-listen for fans of downtempo, electronic, trip-hop, and beyond.