Day 132: Bonobo – Black Sands

Short one today, as I’ve had my plans well and truly scuppered. Scotland is freezing and of course this is the moment my boiler breaks, on a Saturday evening too, so no one can come fix it. Far be it from me to pass up a good excuse to go watch Diners, Drive-ins and Dives from a hotel bed, so I decided to go for a mellow, stress-free record to listen to on the drive. I went with something I hadn’t heard in years. and also know nothing about: Bonobo’s Black Sands.

Album cover courtesy of Ninja Tune

Bonobo, or Simon Green, is a DJ originally from Brighton but currently based in Los Angeles. He’s been active since 1999 when his debut song was released on a compilation record called When Shapes Join Together from Brighton-based record label Tru Thoughts. His debut album, Animal Magic, was released shortly after in 2000.

Released in 2010, Black Sands is Bonobo’s fourth album. It’s a downtempo, relaxing and mostly instrumental record that’s just an evergreen thing to whack on when you want something beautiful in the background that you don’t have to think about on focus on too much. It’s jazz-inspired, layered and lush, but not so intricate that it draws you in too much. It’s the perfect thing to listen to when you’re out driving. The beautiful vocals on "Eyesdown," "The Keeper" and "Stay the Same" are provided by UK singer Andreya Triana, who has released some solo work and has featured on songs by artists like Mr Scruff and Tokimonsta.

It’s maybe one that would warrant a more extensive write-up, but today is not that that day.  Every five years, the right opportunity to listen to this arises, it just hits the spot every time. Bonobo’s Black Sands is a solid 8.5/10. It serves a purpose and it does it well.