the story of bonobo is one that has become uncommon in contemporary music. there was no sudden, viral internet sensation, no one-off big hit, no abrupt, accidental alignment with the zeitgeist. instead, over the course of four albums, myriad tours, singles, remixes and production work for other artists, he quietly but very definitely became one of the most important artists in electronic music. the hard work paid off, and culminated in 2010s black sands, a masterful album that married greens inimitable melodic genius and musicianship to bleeding edge electronics, bass and infectious drums.
after a year plus of touring the hypnotic, extended live versions of black sands, he finally found time last year to embed himself in his new york studio and write his fifth studio album. now, in 2013, he stands ready to take things up yet another notch. the north borders is a long stride forward - both a natural evolution and a continuation of the electronic palette of black sands. thematic, resonant, addictive and perfectly formed, it is a thrillingly coherent statement piece