Distance In Static (2026)

"Like many Bonobo albums, "Distance In Static" blends live instrumentation with samples and programmed beats, and features a wide array of guest vocalists and influences from around the world. Intriguingly, much of the record manages to sound stripped-down and highly expressive at the same time. The dance tracks are sturdy and propulsive, with functional, unfussy beat patterns, letting forlorn orchestral arrangements and samples carry the emotional weight. "Cycles" lets lonesome woodwinds and weepy strings crest over intricate sequences, and both "Drift" and the more bass-heavy "Me and You" employ haunting vocal loops and chops. "Uncasually" is the album's strongest club heater, blending shimmering synths, wispy strings, and fragmented vocals into a graceful yet commanding dance cut, while "Shokoufeh" incorporates dramatic Iranian string samples and swooping vocals over a slightly slower thump. Apart from the garage-like swing of "Talk to Me" (with Hundred Waters' Nicole Miglis), most of the songs with featured vocalists move away from the dancefloor, and feel far more intimate and delicate. "Fire on the Water" lets Arooj Aftab gently deliver poetic lyrics in Urdu over a hushed acoustic guitar loop, with soft drums and strings accompanying but not interrupting. The exquisite "Always on Your Side" (featuring Joy Crookes) is lushly orchestrated trip-hop reminiscent of Ninja Tune releases from decades past, and it's followed by "Youth's Fountain," an artful indie rock tune featuring confessional, half-spoken vocals by current labelmate Nilüfer Yanya. The album calms down with two lovely atmospheric songs at the end. Ichiko Aoba sounds like she's singing in the middle of a magical forest during "Equinoctial," and Kanako Yamamoto plays guzheng on the ethereal, string-heavy instrumental "Mercury." Alternating between club tracks and downtempo songs, mostly featuring guests, Distance in Static is a well-paced journey that expertly plays with tension and release." (Allmusic; 4 uit 5 sterren)

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