Animal Magic

True to his alias, Bonobo eschews any sort of dramatic outbursts or gimmicky antics. His musical language, though echoing elements from the Ninja Tune roster, is more akin to the refined downtempo of Memphis Industries’ Blue States or Broadway Project, laced with a wry, laid-back humour reminiscent of Fort Lauderdale’s chill.

However, Animal Magic does stumble out of the gate with a somewhat tired trope—a master-of-ceremonies intro that feels more clichéd than charming. This overused convention, dragging a worn-out charm, is a misstep that somewhat taints the album’s otherwise smooth entry. Once past this initial faux pas, the album flows seamlessly, proving Green’s prowess in blending samples into something greater than their origins. Unlike the heavy-handed approach of Lemon Jelly, Bonobo’s craft results in a more sophisticated and nuanced soundscape.

The track “Sleepy Seven” features a mesmerising vocal sample that evokes a similar nostalgic feel as Blue States’ “Your Girl,” but Green employs it with restraint, using it to subtly enhance the track’s laid-back groove and melodica lines. “Dinosaurs,” on the other hand, offers a more robust sound, with beats designed not just to bob heads but to really grab attention. The juxtaposition of intense beats with mellow trombone and sax snippets demonstrates Green’s ability to balance contrasting elements.

“Kota” opens with intricate acoustic guitar arpeggios and sweeping sounds, echoing the sleepy, detailed vibes of Seelenluft’s downtempo explorations. Meanwhile, “Terrapin” takes listeners on a serene journey, where sitars and subdued strings evoke the mythical travels of Shiva in search of ultimate pleasure. “The Plug” continues this meditative exploration, depicting Shiva’s longing to remain in a realm of tranquility, surrounded by gentle cymbals, maracas, and ethereal oboe melodies.

Although Animal Magic doesn’t push the boundaries of chill-out music, it succeeds in crafting a debut album that transcends its individual components. Green’s talent for dynamic composition shines through, elevating the album beyond mere chill-out fare. With a solid debut under his belt, it would be exciting to see Green expand his musical scope, perhaps following the path of J. Swinscoe’s Cinematic Orchestra by collaborating with live musicians rather than solely relying on sound files.