fragments.//bonobo

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

mrbullion.pro have now playlisted British producer and DJ Simon Green who is currently based in LA, and who recently pushed the Fragments LP on Ninja Tune records. Fragments is a quality album - a collection of kaleidoscopic, and atmospherically unique downtempo songs produced by Green under the stage name, bonobo (with various contributions) - and released earlier in the year.

In our view, Green's music retains a delicate and overarching poise. Indeed one article writes on the range of his music: "Simon Green is among a rare breed of electronic musicians whose records are as suited to the club as the café". This album proves that like his earlier works (we also recommend Migration, his sixth studio album) the article's assessment may likely be true.

As for the Fragments album, 'Shadows' and 'Rosewood' are more minimalist at their essence but certainly have a club feel to them. The first 3 tracks actually serve to provide a solid foundation for an authentic transition into what 'Rosewood' reveals is Bonobo's superior mixing genius and know-how.

In our view, 'Otomo' and 'Age of Phase' are each respectively outstanding in their own way. They are like superimpositions of dense and convoluted abstract textures, revealing Bonobo's concept and flawless execution.

The psychedelic chimes on the upbeat 'Otomo' are equally matched by Bonobo's experimental collabo with the incredible vocals of Jamila Woods on 'Tides'. What this album lacks in out-and-out flair, it makes up for in sheer consistency. It's certainly worth its weight.

Overall - 8/10

1. Polyghost - 7/10
2. Shadows - 7.5/10
3. Rosewood - 8/10
4. Otomo - 9/10
5. Tides - 9/10
6. Elysian - 8/10
7. Closer - 7.5/10
8. Age of Phase - 9/10
9. From You - 7/10
10. Counterpart - 7/10
11. Sapien - 6/10
12. Day by Day - 8/10

Catch Bonobo's new drops 'Defender' (which we're rating as 10/10) and 'Counterpart', a single from the Fragments album on a Special Edition playlist full of minimalist album joints from 2022. Simply search for "Radiant Ambience" on Apple Music's Shared Playlists.