“Where Wilkinson’s previous full-length Phantom Brickworks largely eschewed song-centric writing in favour of ambient soundscapes, Ribbons finds a way to balance the two sides of Bibio’s output. Lead single ‘Curls’ is a gorgeous psychedelic folk ballad, giving us a taste of what else is in store, the way in which the track’s dreamy production brings together trilling strings, busy guitar and vocal close harmony gives ‘Curls’ a great hypnagogic feel.
The rest of Ribbons maintains this air of rose-tinted nostalgia. Golden-age Americana, disco, West Coast psych and more are all warmed up and tripped-out across the course of the record. Wilkinson’s use of field recordings and found sounds only adds to the evocative atmosphere.”
2LP / Warp Records
