Dial "M" for Monkey

Bonobo: Simon Green (various instruments).
Simon Green's Bonobo project may not have the respect of discriminating, forward-thinking electronica fans, but his melody-driven downbeat pop is no less interesting for its lack of processing power -- in fact, Dial "M" for Monkey is more intriguing for its focus on discernible melodies as well as experimental samples. Green's second proper Bonobo album is a model of structure and economy; though he uses just a few elements for each song and rarely varies the rhythm, the results are always compelling listening. Breakbeats power most of these tracks, befitting its release on Ninja Tune, though much like labelmate Fog, Green's interests don't lie in hip-hop or even trip-hop; his influences encompass alternative rock ("Something for Windy" is reminiscent of the Cure) and world music (are those Indonesian gamelan bells driving "D Song" or something from a children's toy?). ~ John Bush