Bonobo at O2 Academy Brixton, London, gig review: Surely one of the shows of the year

Brixton venue provides the perfect setting for electronic artist's first UK show in three years

David Taylor
Tuesday 28 February 2017 15:46 GMT
Comments
Bonobo (Simon Green) performs at O2 Academy Brixton in London
Bonobo (Simon Green) performs at O2 Academy Brixton in London (Dan Medhurst)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

From the opening strains of “Migration”, the eponymous title track from Bonobo’s new album, a rammed Brixton Academy warmly embraces Simon Green’s first live UK show since London’s Alexandra Palace in 2014.

In many ways it's the perfect venue for this latest Bonobo incarnation – the cavernous auditorium with its sloping floor gives great views, while the acoustics add an extra edge to the music which, let's face it, most people usually listen to on headphones.

The bass is absolutely huge and when it drops on “Bambro Koyo Ganda”, one of the standout tracks from the new album, it sends the crowd wild. Other highlights were a storming version of “Cirrus” and the “Kiara/Ten Tigers/Kong” trio.

Green is not one to hog the limelight, despite being a permanent bass-wielding fixture centre stage. Instead subdued lighting casts the band in shadow, while behind them abstract projections flicker and fade in time to the tunes.

It’s beautifully hypnotic - a perfect visual representation then of Bonobo’s music - complementing the almost orchestral arrangements which sets Green apart from his peers.

The 12-piece band features a note-perfect string quartet, a brass section and soaring flute alongside guitar, keys and drums. This is electronic music taken to a higher level.

For this tour Szjerdene Mulcare has taken over all vocal duties, bringing a new soul-heavy feel to well-known favourites from previous albums such as “First Fires”. She also steps into take over Chet Faker’s role on “No Reason”.

Overall, there’s a feelgood, almost festival vibe to the show: at one point there must be a dozen people on shoulders while someone even holds an umbrella aloft. It’s no surprise then that the tour is already sold out, but try to get your hands on a ticket for what surely is one of the shows of the year.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in