Having been described as “a master of experimental electronics” (Expansion Radio) and a creator of “seriously wonderful stuff” (Ingrown Radio) since his debut on the scene earlier this year, Downtempo and Ambient specialist Pork Bun has clearly already begun to make a name for himself. Pork Bun – Big Bobbi meanwhile, delivered by Philadelphia label Glorp Intergalactic LLC, is his first full-length release, and its a cool, chilled out mix of atmospheric electronics, evocative rhythms and lush melodic layers
Numerous singles have already been released from Pork Bun – Big Bobbi, including Court Jester, Tin, Song of the Forest, and Down the River. Of these its the latter that lends itself best to the blissfully relaxing experience you would typically associate with soundscapes and Ambient music, the gentle chimes of melody and slow rhythms gently lulling you into a feeling of warmth and tranquility. The album opener Court Jester has a similar effect, although as its title indicates it also has a playful edge to it that gets Pork Bun – Big Bobbi off to a pleasantly intriguing start.
Aside from the singles, there’s also darker, more contemplative moments like Seaside, Cliffside that are brought into play, with this track in particular benefitting from ethereal, swirling synths that dance around hushed bass tones and hi-hat-heavy beats. The second half highlight Stroll is also worth a mention; by cleverly employing sounds of background chatter and general hubbub, you really do begin to get the feeling you’re out and about taking a pleasant stroll on a warm sunny day, a feeling that is amplified when you listen to the track with headphones.
Pork Bun – Big Bobbi marks a serious accomplishment for a bright new name on the Ambient and Electronic scenes. Within the album’s ten tracks, Pork Bun shows us that he can adhere to the typical sounds and structures one might expect from these two genres, whilst retaining a wholly individual voice that we’ll be looking forward to hearing more of over the next few years. Keep an ear out for his sophomore album Within a Hill on Bridge Road, which is due in 2025.
