Celebrated for his heart-warming, thoughtful electronica, Bonobo started out as a Tru Thoughts’ protégée nearly two decades ago. Now, the Brighton boy returns for another live show in his hometown, having left long ago for Los Angeles (though by the look of his touring schedule, he rarely has a night in).

He released his sixth studio album Migration, back in January to largely positive reviews, but it’s his powerful back catalogue that most of the fans in the crowd at the Brighton Centre were listening out for.

Due to Songkick not mailing tickets as promised, and the Brighton Centre’s door staff not scanning non-printed tickets, the queue was – to put it mildly – excessive. The wait continued inside as patient fans waited over thirty minutes to get to the bar. 

Consequently, despite doors opening early, many people missed hotly anticipated George Fitzgerald’s support set.
As the lights dimmed for the main act, the crowds massed, glittery-cheeked and beer-fuelled. Though the show didn’t sell out, it can’t have been far off, and the atmosphere was upbeat and enthusiastic.

Bonobo’s live show is renowned for being expansive and beautiful, and it delivered. With an eleven-piece live band on stage at times, and a staggering light show, not to mention a euphoric confetti cannon, this was a polished, tight performance. 

Featuring songs from across his lengthy back catalogue, the night segued through his many influences and showcased his impressive skills as a multi-instrumentalist.

The set didn’t build to an obvious crescendo, preferring to meander in a way that rendered each song separately forceful.

Jack Baker’s drum solo during the final song was outstanding.  

Bonobo’s music is far from primitive, but there’s something inherently natural in the way that it rouses arms into the air and pushes bodies to sway. As thousands moved to the beat, Bonobo cemented his reputation as one of Brighton’s most brilliant musicians.

Jessica Marshall McHattie