Downtempo / Balearic Recommendations February 2017

Review: Given his impressive track record, hopes are naturally high for Bonobo's sixth album, Migration, which is his first full-length since 2013. Happily, it's a majestic affair, with the producer delivering another sumptuous set of tracks. It was partly inspired by an extended period musing on the nature of personal identity, and the role that nationality plays in that. This concept is translated via thoughtful lyrics, and songs that draw musical influence from the four corners of the globe. It's not a big stylistic leap, of course - his bread and butter remains yearning, emotion-rich downtempo music built around gently jazzy grooves and impeccable live instrumentation - but given that few artists do it better than Bonobo, we'll forgive him for that.

Review: There's much to like about Andreas 'Andi' Otto, not least his passion for playing a "unique, sensor-extended cello" known as a "fello". There was also much chatter online about the quality of his first single as Andi Otto, March 2016's Bangalore Whispers. That track kicks off VIA, a fine album of evocative, if occasionally fuzzy, downtempo grooves. It's a set that contains much "fello" action, alongside pleasingly wonky electronics, off-kilter drum patterns, krautrock style vintage synthesizers, and a range of exotic global influences. The album also contains nods to all manner of musical styles, from experimental hip-hop and IDM, to lounge music, Bhangra, and Persian grooves.