anyone else getting a static-like noise in the right channel? it's in and out on all four sides for me.

One of Bonobo's best albums by far.

After BLACK SANDS, it'd be difficult for Bonobo to maintain his reputation, but THE NORTH BORDERS manages to do it. Sure, it's not as stunning as his previous album, but that's a pretty high bar. Instead, Bonobo branches out in other directions, like the mellow, folk-esque "First Fires" or the garage of "Emkay," or the more straight-up house of "Cirrus." His multi-instrumentation stays wholly intact, despite these new ventures, helping to fill out the sound, as with the plucked strings of "Saphhire" or the . He tries out a heavier bass with "Jets" or the typewriter rhythm on "Ten Tigers." Sure, a few of the tracks aren't as compelling-- "Know You," for instance sounds like a reprise of "Emkay" -- but it's still a pleasant listen, especially once the chopped-up chorus starts in. Even though Andreya Triana doesn't appear here, she's ably replaced by Erykah Badu, who makes "Heaven For The Sinner" appropriately angelic. Szjerdene, as well, adds some soul to "Towers," The darkly sad "Pieces" closes the album on a good note. For its faults, it holds up.

After listening to Bonobo for quite some time, this release had to be a stunner to even compare to its predecessors. So when I first listened to 'The North Borders', I was disappointed. It lacked a coherency that his other albums, like Black Sands, had. However, this album requires multiple listens because a month went by and then this was on repeat for months. My personal standouts are First Fires, Jets, Know You, Ten Tigers, and Transits. It really grows.

"Heaven For The Sinner" & "Sapphire" are the only stand out tracks, IMO...the rest lacks originality of Simon. Deffo not even one 100th of Animal Magic...sorry

why the need to evolve when you're already doing great music (and original)???? bonobo, please reconsider!

I like the album very much. It has a new genre to it in some tracks and hence the reason of a new album.
The album has a ''mature-eclectic sounding'' feel to it.
Also, tracks like ''First Fires'', ''Emkay'' and ''Sapphire'' brings a more hyped, ''mount kimbie-ish'' vibes, which usually I'm not big fan of, but bonobo makes a great job integrating his style making them sound amazing.
The track that really corresponds to my style is ''Antenna''.
Hats off bonobo for another wonderful album!

Dj Bonobo now? great album, you can hear Bonobo style in it but i find it quite artificial, there is no cool bass lines like you can find in all Bonobo albums and since i like Four Tet i like the album. Cant find a track that stands out though...