Simon Green, or Bonobo has dropped his 7th full-length album, Fragments. Green continues to show why he’s a master at his craft with the newest release. The cover art is awfully fitting as I feel like this album is pulling me into an ocean of rich organic sounds blended seamlessly with electronic elements. Whether it’s house or an orchestral string arrangement, this album has it all.
The album opens with “Polyghost,” a beautiful enveloping track filled with emotion garnered through its rich blend of harp and electronic elements. It builds to a crescendo of strings, filling the song with a sense of almost romantic longing. It sets the stage for the album and what the listener has yet to come. I was struck by “Otomo” from the opening of clattering percussion and overwhelming synth that builds into a wave of singing voices. It’s a powerful moment in the song that spirals into a fantastic breakdown. It’s like if the movie Dune met drum and bass. “Tides” features haunting and gorgeous vocals from Jamila Woods. Her singing is accompanied by a simple yet elegant instrumental throughout that carries off into a euphoric bliss. Green features more fantastic string arrangements on “Elysian.” It’s another absolutely beautiful track, filled with an arresting feel of bitter-sweet nostalgia. Joji’s voice fits perfectly into the production of “From You.” His modest vocal performance felt right at home with the quiet ambient synth, light strings, and deep bass drums of Green.
Fragments is a project filled with moments to dance and cry to. The production is absolutely stellar from top to bottom. Each track has something new to offer with Green leaning in on different inspirations and variations of the styles used throughout. I’m sure this will be an amazing record to hear live as well. Be sure to give it a listen!
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