10 Bonobo Tracks You Have To Listen To!

There’s a reason Simon Green, or Bonobo, is our Artist Of The Month. He’s one of the most respected electronic producers out there, having productions that range from a wide array of genres. From trip hop, acid jazz, downtempo, chillwave and ambient, and more recently, having ranged to the more deeper, dancier side of electronica, with his Flashlight EP, he definitely steals the show when it comes to music production and composition that’s always on-point.

There’s barely 2 weeks left for this genius producer to hit Indian shores, so in lieu of that we’ve put together a selection of 10 tracks that have us hooked!

Days To Come (Feat Bajka)

This perfectly chilled out track, with Bajka’s soulful vocals and that super sexy saxophone is also the title track from his third studio album. It’s easily one of the best off that album, and one of the most soulful Bonobo productions there is, especially with that touch of Nu-Jazz.

Kiara

This is the second track of Bonobo’s 4th album, Black Sands, and comes into play after an instrumental piece with the same violin string. The initial track is very melancholic and pensive, but this is where things pick up as the breakbeat structure kicks in, adding that modern, urban touch to the entire music piece as a whole. As a stand-alone track this is a perfect example of Bonobo’s adeptness with music that leans in slightly to the bass side of things.

Kong

Kong is another gem from the Black Sands album. The first thing that makes you take notice is the really groovy way Bonobo has integrated the uber groovy bass guitar lick with a funky guitar riff. Add to all of that a dash of string work, some pan flute samples and muted trumpets and super soulful beat-work, and you’ve got yourself this amazingly delicious musical concoction of everything that delights your aural tongue.

Cirrus

Cirrus was the first track to be released from Bonobo’s fifth album The North Borders. The track is one of Bonobo’s most unique, in terms of it having all the intrinsic qualities of a deep house record but yet sounding extremely organic from start to finish. It’s as if a jazz band played out a house production. As the track progresses, so does the intensity of the beat-work, it’s deep bassline and the addition of so many more ethereal instruments, like the inclusion of bells, chimes, crystals and triangles. The track eventually peaks with such subtlety it’s hard to take notice till it finally hits you. What’s more, it’s even get a super trippy video to go with.

Jets

This is another trip-hop gem from Bonobo’s arsenal of productions. The light vocal loops and sultry, summery electric piano work, along with the brilliantly laidback percussion make this a wonderfully balanced yet extremely urban sounding production.

Emkay

Starting off with a beautiful chord progression, this soulful electronica track progresses to a very break-beat-esque production. Another gem from Bonobo’s most recent The North Borders album, the percussion work on this is phenomenal. So complex, yet so seemingly calm.

The Fever

This neo jazz production has a very retro vibe with the bass-licks and the string work, especially the wonderfully crafted guitar work. All of the instruments come together to make this production sound like one perfectly fit for a Mediterranean summer. The exotic sound of the guitar riffs, along with fluttery piano work, impending bass guitar riff and light-handed drumming, adds a whole lot of character to this track.

Flutter

The first thing that hits you from the moment you press play on this track is the ethereal xylophone loops. A soulful, sultry sitar is then added on over a funky bassline. This entire track has so many contrasting elements that combine to create a gorgeous funk-laced production.

Noctuary

This track kicks off Bonobo’s Dial M For Monkey album, setting a laidback, peaceful setting. The combination of the electric piano and the harp make for a perfectly nocturnal yet wonderfully chilled production. The simplicity in the beat-work does its bit to ensure that not too much attention is stolen away from the subtle complexity that all of the production’s core-elements display and the hypnotising effect it has over the listener.

Nightlite (feat. Bajka)

This is another vocal gem from Bonobo’s album, Days To Come. Again featuring the gorgeous, understated and husky vocals of Bajka, this track is a perfect example of how Bonobo uses various influences to make music. Bajka’s sultry vocals glide perfectly over the funk-driven piano chord progressions and funky bass line. What really adds that extra bit of awesome to the track, however, is the eastern influenced melancholic string work. This track is equally as perfect to listen to on the dance-floor as it is for a stress-free evening by your lonesome.

You can read up on our interview with the brilliant artist, here and get more details about his show with Johnnie Walker’s The Journey, here.