For those of you looking for the perfect study music: look no further. Simon Green is a British DJ who goes by the pseudonym “Bonobo” and has rhythms to soothe the running mind, invoke episodes of enlightenment and summon a sense of determination. His newest album, “The North Boarders,” has down-tempo tunes that are Pretty Lights-esque, composed of unique compilations of instrumentals and vocal clips.

Some of my favorite tracks on the album include “Emkay,” “Cirrus,” “Jets,” and “Ten Tigers.” “Emkay” features vocal clips of an anonymous male soul singer as well as a lovely ribbon of strings and sax that has the power to alleviate a stressed thinker. “Cirrus,” on the other hand, seems to intoxicate the listener with a sense of urgency, the marimba providing a rather “running in the jungle” feel.  (got a paper to write in a hurry? This is your jam.) The plucking of harp strings can be heard in the background of Jets beneath the soulful falsetto runs, perfect for relaxing after a long day. “Ten Tigers” utilizes the typewriter in the place of drums, supplemented with futuristic echoes and vibrations, creating an interesting juxtaposition of sounds to induce episodes of thinking outside the box. The only song I can’t seem to stand to sit through is “Heaven for the Sinner” featuring Erykah Badu, but her style isn’t quite for me.

Give Bonobo a chance. I think his talent is understated in the American music industry, often hidden in the shadows of more well-established names like Pretty Lights, Gramatik and Daft Punk, even though the quality of his tunes are comparable.

kamhall@coloradomesa.edu