• Reviews

• All
• Music
• DVDs
• Live
• Cinema
• TV
• Books
• Comic Books
• Video Games

Jul 02, 2013 Bibio By Billy Hamilton

Stephen Wilkinson appears to be mirroring Western trends by going organic. On his seventh LP under the Bibio guise, the English producer’s experimental leanings take on a distinctly naturalistic focus, veering away from the kaleidoscopic blur of 2011’s Mind Bokeh to create a slow-burning sonic collection.

In keeping with his previous outings, Wilkinson’s textural work remains impressive. Many of these multi-layered compositions unpeel in the ear canals, levering illuminating synth lines against brushing percussion and nimble guitar.

Despite—or perhaps because of—the technical showmanship, Silver Wilkinson never really gets going. Dreary acoustic lullaby “Raincoat” epitomises this curious lack of life, ambling out as a forgettable ‘70s hippy dip that wallows in lackadaisical acoustics. “Sycamore Silhouetting” and album finale “You Won’t Remember…” are equally short on substance, sunk by torpid guitar strums that conjure a sloth-like acoustic haze.

Yet with added purpose, it can be a spellbinding trip. “À tout à l’heure” is an elegant rhythmic swing led by tribal percussion and breezy vocal whirls; “Look at Orion!” oscillates with jerking house minimalism; and the cut ‘n’ paste thrum of “You” puffs up like The Avalanches at their hookiest.

These sprightly nods are, however, mere blips on a record that struggles to reach beyond its comfort zone. Going organic may have its advantages, but for Stephen Wilkinson it’s a move that doesn’t come naturally. (www.mrbibio.tumblr.com)

Author rating: 5/10