This new release from Bonobo has been ingraining itself on my brain for the last week. Every time I stick it on its like I’ve been listening to it for years, such is the depth of character and honesty in its production.
Four years since the “Days to Come” LP hit the stores, Black Sands is a welcome addition to an already glittering 2010 of music. Just when you thought things couldn’t get better classics like “Eyes Down” feat. Andreya Triana rise up from out of nowhere and let you know that the party is only getting started…
It’s hard to pick out top tracks from what is a balanced collection of downbeat ambient electronica, the quality of live instrumentation and complex, intricate production suggests that this album will come second only to the live show when Bonobo takes the band out on the road…
What is most significant about this release is its timing. Bonobo has consistently released solid, high quality records on Ninja Tunes however shifting trends in popular interest has pushed otherwise well deserved success aside in favour for a more devoted underground following. This perhaps has been a blessing in disguise giving him time to develop as a producer and the past four years have clearly resulted in one of his best releases yet. This time “Black Sands” hits the ground running in a favourable music world with more and more listeners tuning into the electronica and dance scene.
The added beauty of Andreya Triana’s vocals adds yet another dynamic to proceedings with her voice pinning down the albums first single “Eyes Down” and a brilliant duo of tracks later in the album “The Keeper” and “The Same”…
… I have made sure I dipped my ears into “1009” and “Animals” at least once a day… just to stay healthy…. however a heavy dose of any track from this album is highly recommended by most well informed musical doctors…
I featured this album on my Black Box podcast No. 32 and I will no doubt be playing some tracks on the next show.
