The North Borders
by Bonobo
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. Blurt Magazine
    Apr 23, 2013
    60
    Unfortunately, while the singers add some variety to the down-tempo dance stew that Green comes up with, they also fade into his lounge-like, bare-bones background all too well without adding much flavor, not to mention bite, to the proceedings.
  2. Pitchfork
    Apr 12, 2013
    60
    The North Borders is not a bad album--for the most, it’s as inoffensive as those decade-old chill-out compilations--yet a frustration persists because Bonobo is better than this.
  3. PopMatters
    Apr 3, 2013
    60
    Perhaps the album will prove to have long-term potential, but for now, The North Borders might be too modest for its own good.
  5. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Apr 1, 2013
    60
    By no means is The North Borders sterile, but there isn’t a notably invigorating spark either--at least not of an obtuse or intense gesture.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Cinema_Loot
    Sep 3, 2013
    10
    Literally the best album I have ever heard for this style of music, Bonobo without a doubt has become my favourite artist. Though this albumLiterally the best album I have ever heard for this style of music, Bonobo without a doubt has become my favourite artist. Though this album is almost entirely instrumental tracks each track has it own identity and is full of emotion while felling relaxed… Full Review »
  2. aukalender
    Jul 11, 2019
    10
    While it seems the North Borders didn't generate the interest or critical acclaim of Black Sands or Migration, it really left an impression onWhile it seems the North Borders didn't generate the interest or critical acclaim of Black Sands or Migration, it really left an impression on me. Maybe it was the time of its release and I was open to its melancholic sound more than others. This is a technically superb outing for Bonobo, I feel, and Ten Tigers, Sapphire, as well as Bonobo's probably most famous song Cirrus are addictive and timeless, at least for me.… Full Review »
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