UK downtempo don Simon Green, better known as Bonobo, has been in victory lap mode ever since he dropped The North Borders a few years back. Tirelessly touring all over the world as both a DJ and a full band leader, he's enjoying more popularity and success than ever. Still, some critics were a little let down by The North Borders, especially in comparison to its more adventurous predecessor, Black Sands. Now Green is back with the fittingly titled Flashlight EP, and he seems to be back in explorer mode.
Bonobo has an easily-recognizable sound, one that, impressively, emerged fully-formed back on his first release. "Flashlight" doesn't deviate much from this signature aesthetic, but it explores new territory in subtle ways. Its opening is atypical, only becoming a clear Bonobo track once his trademark bass lines and worldly percussion join the fray of weightless, bubbling synth. Flashlight drops December 2nd via Bonobo's longtime label Ninja Tune.
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Bonobo
"Flashlight"
- Ninja Tune
- 'Flashlight' EP out 12/2