Ape in Pink Marble

Released in 2016, Ape in Pink Marble marks a significant shift toward a more subdued, minimalist aesthetic for Devendra Banhart. Recorded in Los Angeles with long-time collaborators Noah Georgeson and Josiah Steinbrick, the album was heavily influenced by the trio's interest in Japanese culture and the 'City Pop' era, though these influences are filtered through a skeletal folk lens. The record is notably more cohesive and somber than its predecessor, Mala, focusing on themes of mourning and quiet reflection following the death of several close friends and family members. Critically, it was praised for its sophisticated arrangements and Banhart's maturing songwriting, which moved away from his earlier 'freak folk' eccentricities toward a more refined, lounge-inflected art pop. The use of vintage drum machines and traditional Japanese instruments like the koto provides a unique sonic signature that distinguishes it within his discography.