A new lease of life: Bonobo live in Manchester

07 March 2017, 15:13 | Written by Dave Beech

(Live)

(Bonobo)

Having seen Simon Green’s DJ sets before, we were somewhat prepared for the sheer energy with which he performs as Bonobo. Seeing him tonight (2 March) with an eleven-piece live band however, said energy is magnified tenfold; a sold-out Manchester Apollo heaving to every bass note or flute trill.

Arriving amid a warm wash of yellow light, the Brighton-born producer takes centre stage, flanked by string and brass sections as well as live drums and keys. Opening with the eponymous "Migrations" from his most recent album, the atmospheric setting is bolstered by the silhouetted figures on stage.

It’s material from Migrations that forms the backbone of tonight’s set, and though a somewhat sombre release when taken on its recorded merit, the addition of a live band providing an organic energy off which the crowd feed; something not found with Green’s solo DJ sets.

From the balcony, the swathes of bodies in the crowd below feel somewhat tame in comparison Green’s last appearance in Manchester at Warehouse Project back in October, though tonight’s early show time might have something to do with it. That said, while the audience may be a little more reserved, there’s still plenty of vigour, even in the circle of seats that make the venue’s balcony.

Though tracks from Migrations take up the majority of this evening’s set, the likes of "Kong", "Kiara" and "We Could Forever" are obvious crowd pleasers, the tropical freneticism of the latter a particular highlight, providing the crowd with an injection of energy that the newer material seems to lack.

With the more familiar material from Black Sands and The North Borders being received almost rapturously by the baying crowd, it’s somewhat of a shame that the more introspective recent cuts feel ignored by pockets of crowd. It’s clear however, that there’s a vitality in these more contemporary offerings, something that stems from many of them being aired for first time on this tour and something bolstered by the effortless musicality of Green’s backing band.

Though this might be Bonobo’s first tour as a live band in a while, it’s obvious that the energy that stems from performing as a group allows the material blossom. Old tracks are provided with a new lease life, while the newer material relishes in the opulent space of Manchester’s Apollo, benefitting from its exquisite acoustics. It might be twenty years since Simon Green released his debut album, but this tour, and indeed the album it’s in support of, prove Bonobo are just as relevant now, as ever.