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Blotto
Singles Collection 2004-2007 |
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Tracklist |
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01 - a,
02 - Amai Yuugure
03 - on and on
04 - Kono Hoshi ni Tsuppushinagara
05 - Sunshine In The New Life
06 - Hikari no Blues
07 - Beautiful
08 - Yoake Mae |
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Review |
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Bonobos' last full-length effort, electlyric, got me through some tough times back when it was first released. Since then, I've developed a special bond with the band -- I don't listen to them very often, but when I do I can just feel every single worry and anxious thought disappear into the sea of warmth that is Bonobos' music. Their latest release, the awkwardly named a, un, does not break any new ground, but I'll be damned if it isn't yet another immensely enjoyable cheerful reggae/dub record from the 5-piece band.
It doesn't take long for the band to settle into a groove on a, un -- a few seconds into the first track, "a," and you're already enveloped by a sparse piece of uplifting reggae, smothered in delicious horns. Bassist Natsuko, or Nacchan as she is affectionately called, is the backbone of every song, this one being no exception, proving that she has more than enough skills to match her adorable looks. Sai's vocals are still a little bit too similar to legendary Fishmans frontman Satou Shinji's but really, that's not a bad thing at all.
The opening track is followed by the delectable "Amai Yuugure." A rough organ and record noise introduction quickly segues into Bonobos' trademark warm reggae. Some of the best melodies in a, un are in this song, particularly the uplifting yet heart-wrenching chorus. "on and on" is the most upbeat song on the disc, with perfect interplay between acoustic guitar and horns. The chorus blasts off with a blistering burst of percussive energy that sounds like it could be absolutely fierce live. "Beautiful," the lone single off a, un features a small string ensemble, creating a very relaxed mood. The instrumentation is nearly perfect in this song, with basslines and acoustic guitar playing off each other spectacularly from start to finish.
However, a, un, like any other album, has its missteps. While there are only 8 songs on this disc, songs like "Kono Hoshi ni Tsubbashinagara" and the 7 minute closer "Yoake Mae" feel excessively long and make parts of the album drag. They are both remarkable songs, but not as accessible and immediately enjoyable as the other ones on this record. In any case, as a whole a, un is another brilliant album by a band that I've grown to love. It is always a joy to listen to Bonobos but this album really hits home more than the others. While it doesn't bring anything remarkably new or fresh to the table, it does succeed in enhancing the band's trademark feel-good aural experience. |
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