7.75 out of 10(Way)Back in 2009 Stephen Wilkinson (Bibio) released his most accomplished record to date; "Ambivalence Avenue", which was pretty much perfect from beginning to end. In-fact, it made it all the way to the #10 (of 100) spot on EIC's year-end list. A couple years later Bibio is back at it again with "Mind Bokeh", which refers to the blurry area in a photograph. So how is it in comparison to "A..A.."?
"Mind Bokeh" starts off like most other Bibio albums, a glimmering ambiance that slowly but surely morphs/fades into a euphoric Pop twist. The beginning track on "Mind Bokeh" is most likely (maybe) the album's standout. I love how long it is, I love all of the transitions, I love all of the genres involved, it's seriously a perfect song. After that the "new sounds" of Bibio begin, a bit more mysterious, freaky/funky, fun, and most notably Psych-Folk Disco-Pop heavy (while still maintaining it's IDM leanings). Basically listening to this album is like living in the future (let's say 2525) band's are covering yesterdays sounds (like they always have/will), & this one specific artist (Bibio, I think his name is) has refurbished, reinvented, and birthed a new life into the 1970's. Bibio is the future of retro.
Recommended for sure, I like "Ambivalence.." a little more, but this is a nice follow up indeed. Expect something a little different, but definitely let the vibes soak in. If Boards Of Canada got in-touch with their "Psych/Disco side" a little more, as well as dabbled in little Indie Folk, I believe it would sound a little something like this.
Standout Tracks: Excuses (lo♥e), Pretentious, Wake Up! (on repeatpeatpeateatat), Artists' Valley (this song is amazing on multiple levels), Mind Bokeh (captures the titles meaning perfectly.), Saint Christopher (great endcap)
