editor@thestagsurrey.co.uk ARCHIVE

By Ben Pook Leading up to the release of Black Sands, British producer Simon Green didn’t have much to prove in the industry. Following the acclaimed albums Animal Magic and Dial M For Monkey, Green released a compilation of experimental chill-out in 2006, titled Days To Come, which despite its mixed reviews, showcased his inventive and singular composition style. Black Sands was almost guaranteed to be an absolute treat for his growing number of fans, and Green – who is released and plays live under the alias Bonobo – hasn’t disappointed. Black Sands is a deftly produced record, which profiles Green’s capability to go above and beyond the call of towering expectations. From Prelude to finish, each track introduces varying influences and atmospheric tones. But, what’s arguably most impressive is the cohesion between the different sounds, which produces a progressive flow – seemingly natural in form. Brighton based singer and fellow Ninja Tune artist, Andreya Triana, lends her enchanting vocals to three tracks: Eyesdown, The Keeper and Stay the Same; the last of which is worth singling out as an elevating and unconstrained piece of art, sheltered in a gallery of masterpieces. A subtle but gratifying element is the sound of Green’s fingers sliding across the strings and fretboard. In fact, this element also highlights the significance of his involvement in the production of the album. Green plays the majority of instruments himself, rather than relying on session musicians or sample-based production – which was the case in his former records. The album’s cinematic quality is showcased in the track All In Forms, a song that builds altering forms of imagery – leading from a slow march with pulsing drums, to an evocative interlude and a consummate ending. The same structure can be applied to the 6^th track in the album, We Could Forever, except the sombre mood is replaced with a buoyant guitar rift, as well as cheerful violin and trumpet sequences. With Black Sands, Bonobo has reaffirmed his position among an elite class of producers and musicians. The elusive characteristics in Green’s personality and the unparalleled acceptance of this album among growing fans has also provided more reason to believe there is nothing more for him to prove – and only pleasant surprises await.