With each new release, Ben Bondy pushes his music to new frontiers. While associated with the “West Mineral Cinematic Universe,” “weird ambient,” or “new dark ambient,” much of his catalog defies easy classification—he never seems to settle into any singular niche. This is evident on his latest track, “Bend,” the inaugural single from xo salt life, his forthcoming release on 3XL. What was hinted at on “Sippin,” the Sufjan Stevens-sampling underground smash he co-produced with kindtree, has now fully matured. Blending elements of IDM, indie pop, and contemporary Afrobeats, Bondy has crafted the perfect lakeside banger, capturing the final moments of summer.