Mind Bokeh is not available in stores yet; it will be soon though. Because of that, I can't provide any sample listening links, but there is an audio sampler out there provided by his label that can give you an idea. It opens like an old British mystery movie staring Jack the Ripper. Sounds of a horse's hooves clanking on cobblestone streets cloud the track along with a nebulous backdrop that sounds like pouring rain. Bibio then establishes the beat and his natural propensities take control. Almost every note, every pitch, every solitary sound that is associated with the underlying beat is different from the rest, especially upon transition from four or eight complete measures to a new sequence of measures, and that is what makes Bibio a master at creating memorable drops and consistent beats. He layers and layers on this album, more so than on his previous compilations, and he's flashy. For someone who is notorious for remaining rather low-key with his beats, more interested in how various and seemingly conflicting sounds work together, Bibio uses Mind Bokeh to mark a noticeable change in his approach. It becomes ridiculously clear how he is now influenced by many popular producers from the track Anything New. It reminds me of something Diplo or Lupe Fiasco would use to sing or rap over. Really good stuff. He also gets a little Middle Easterny with Wake Up!, a little funky with Light Sleep, a little rocky with Take Off Your Shirt, a little tropically with K is For Kelson, a little creepy with Mind Bokeh, a little folky with More Excuses, and he ends the album in typical Bibio experimental and crafty fashion with Saint Christopher. This album has so much; it's difficult to get bored.
Mind Bokeh deserves a 4.4/5. I don't give it a 4.5+/5 because, to be honest, his beats are still potentially too experimental. But that being said, if you go beyond the myriad of sounds, his beats are second to none. Favorite songs: Anything New, Light Sleep, Artists' Valley, K is For Kelson, and Saint Christopher.
I was asked the other night what I've been consistently listening to recently. Answer: Wire, Destroyer, Kisses, Houses, Talib Kweli (if you missed my post on his new album, Gutter Rainbows, you should check it out; this album is unbelievable), Animal Collective, Curren$y, Jazz Liberatorz, and a few miscellaneous (jazz, blues, rock, folk, etc.) depending on my mood.
Also, take a look at this music video for Contact High by Architecture in Helsinki. I want that chair.
Best, Jonathan
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