Bonobo and a stunning band bring Migration to life at The Electric Factory

A staple of the UK’s down-tempo electronic music scene, Bonobo (aka Simon Green) hypnotized the Electric Factory on April 29th with smooth melodies and spacey sound bites that put Philly in a never ending daze.

With a work ethic that seems unflinching, the producer/DJ is embarking on a 7-month tour, which started with a soul soothing performance at Coachella a week prior. Appropriately, Bonobo came out to “Migration,” the opening track of his sixth and latest album and title of the tour; a slow building groove that set the tone for a night of exertion and escape. A lot of his atmospheric beats like “Kiara,” “Ten Tigers,” and “Kong” blended together so fluidly leaving no stopping points for the sea of people on the dance floor.

Bonobo | photo by Ben Wong for WXPN | brotherlylost.com

Unlike many artists in the realm of electronic dance music, Simon Green didn’t come alone with just himself and a laptop. Highlighting his versatility and sound, he took himself out of the spotlight and performed with an entire band in the forefront. His ambient keys overtop guitar, bass, drums, and a 3-person brass section truly brought to life those sounds and notes that molded his latest release. The final puzzle piece of the stage was soul singer Szjerdene Mulcare, who elegantly took over vocals for the night, taking the place of Chet Faker on “No Reason” as well as giving a new life to old Bonobo favorites like “First Fires.”

To accompany the earthy rhythms of final songs, “Transit” and “Know You,” the backdrop projected colorful lights that casually flared and stroked each build up and crescendo. With visuals that recall an EDM festival and the back and fourth jam sessions between each member on stage, Bonobo continues to challenge the form while staying true to his core music, giving fans the experience of a rave and the rejuvenation of a rock concert all at once.