REVIEW: Bonobo

Bonobo

03/05/11
Stylus
4/5

The word ‘bonobo’ isn’t one you tend to hear being shouted about in Southern accents. Out of context, you may be forgiven for thinking there’s a very talented chimpanzee dabbling with percussion but sadly this isn’t the case. This Bonobo, however, does come with a full live band.

Kicking things off there is a sense of something pretty amazing: as lights are synched to expertly timed flutes, guitars, saxophones, amongst a range of percussion to rival the nearest Dawsons. This culminated in a clever fusion of the Oriental meeting with a more recent electro mix; the band as a whole could be seen as being a modern day King Crimson. Playing a selection of songs, some of which were accompanied by the soulful Andreya Triana  (and a jazz flutist that would put Ron Burgandy to shame) the band showed how they could do no wrong; playing well known songs such as ‘All in Forms’ that went down perfectly with the crowd.

Although the focus of the crowd’s attention seemed to be on the drummer throughout; ending things on the drum solo to end all drum solos, Bonobo ended the gig in styl..us (sorry).