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Bonobo has come to be considered a master of his art through the steady incline in stature that has come since 2001's 'Animal Magic'.
The fascinating fusion of electronics and live instrumentation that Simon Green creates is something that has further bloomed on new album The North Borders. In support of the record, joined by a full-scale live band, Bonobo took to The Plug in Sheffield to showcase his unique and ever-developing live offering.
Recent single 'Cirrus'opens the set. The track's percussive sound fills the venue. Anyone who expects Bonobo to be just another bedroom DJ stuck behind a laptop couldn't be further from the mark.
Green hops from mixing desk to bass guitar seamlessly throughout, adding a reality and a personal connection to his sound that can only really be achieved on the live stage.
By the time the crowd hear 'Stay the Same' from 2010's 'Black Sands' the band on stage has swelled to eight, creating a sound that seems more orchestral than electronic. But the beauty of Bonobo's live set is that the dynamic can switch from jazz-infused sax solos to the beat-heavy 'Kiara' in an instant.
The atmospheric trip-hop of 'First Fires' encapsulates, before the experimental sound of 'We Could Forever' twists and turns with a freedom that must be tricky to achieve with a band of such numbers.
Track after track, Bonobo have the audience fixed. 'El Toro' is likely to be a personal highlight for many as it culminates in a drum (and then) sax solo that demonstrates the quality of the musicians Green has installed around him. The down-tempo breaks of 'Transits', and the comparatively bassier 'Know You' close the main set and catalyse a feeling of euphoria that might not usually be associated with such a pragmatic sound.
Green and his band return for an encore. A gorgeous vocal sits on top of the groove of 'The Keeper' as the audience are individually introduced to each member of the band.
The evening ends in the same way as 'The North Borders'. 'Pieces' is an immersive bit of chill-out that proves a more than worthy way to bow out.
Green and co leave the stage to a reception that suggests they have conquered Sheffield. For any budding producers pondering how their sound will translate to a live setting, you needn't look any further than Bonobo to see how it should be done.
