British turned LA producer Bonobo has surprised us all with the ‘Bambro Koyo Ganda’ three track EP that dabbles in the realms of culture and EDM in an intriguing way that delivers great results.
After releasing his latest album ‘Migration’ and a successful North American & European tour behind him, ‘Bambro Koyo Ganda’ (which features on ‘Migration’ and enlists the talents of Moroccan/New York City band Innov Gnawa) is taken on a whirlwind adventure in this EP, whereby the producer has provided two different interpretations of the track and a completely new track ‘Samurai’.
The original version builds from the partnership of atmospheric pads and synthetic elements to a ‘tribal’ theme when Innov Gnawa is introduced in cohesion with the claps. From here, the dance element is introduced with an emphatic kick which leads to clever intricate percussion and a real festival vibe throughout the mix. Bonobo cleverly brings some light strings into the track around the 3:20 mark which stands as a real masterstroke and almost a ‘counter-drop’ to the thumping kick drum that leads on.
What is dubbed the “Analog Version” of ‘Bambro Koyo Ganda’ leads to an experimental take on the track. Bonobo differentiates this mix from the original with a heavy emphasis on arpeggiations and a repeated bass line that carries through the duration of the track. The synthetic arpeggiations continue to become more and more prevalent throughout, matching the intensity of the vocals and signs off with a massive swooping energy.
‘Samurai’, lead by several sampled vocals and a brooding bass continues down a similar path to the previous tracks with several synthetic elements at play. The sampled vocals are cleverly brought into the mix individually at first, with each given their moment to shine, and are combined into a clever melody that acts as a hook for the chorus.
Overall, Bonobo tackles many different elements and genres through the three tracks in this EP and delivers impeccable results.
Rating: ★★★★
Fans can catch Bonobo in Australia this July as he travels around the country for a string of live shows, including a spot on this year’s Splendour in the Grass – all tour info can be found right here
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author: Chris Salce