- The Roundhouse is no easy space to pull off. With a capacity of over 3,000 and a cavernous feel created by its domed ceiling, it takes a bit of presence to fill the place up properly. There are few acts better suited to the venue, then, than Bonobo, who more than a decade into his career continues to push the sonic envelope to such a degree that his all-day event in May sold out several weeks ahead of time.
Ninja Tune rounded up more than a dozen acts to join Bonobo for the occasion, including Blue Daisy, Solid Steel, Letherette, Dauwd, Illum Sphere and many more, all of whom played across multiple stages at the London venue. The label's knack for diverse yet cohesive signings was exemplified by a varied but congruent sequence of performances. Still, even during sets from Machinedrum and the ever-popular Gilles Peterson, it was clear that everyone was waiting for the big show.
And a big show it was. Simon Green, the face of Bonobo, was joined on-stage by a rotating cast of percussionists, string players, horn blowers, pianists and vocalists. The set was heavy on songs from North Borders, but didn't ignore his enviable back catalogue. A performance of "Stay The Same" with Andreya Triana went over particularly well, as did "Kiara," "Days To Come" and an incredible rendition of "El Toro" with a sax solo that nearly brought the whole room to its knees.
Despite the night's hiccups—bar queues that could last longer than a set, a fire alarm in the middle of Bonobo's finale—those in attendance left satisfied with a sense of talent and worth, not only from Green himself but from the crew of singers and musicians shrouded in shadows, who managed to flood the space with sound and then some.