Steppin' up with a new set of stompers for 2010, the gloriously groove-laden 4 is our Feature Album next week! 2ser Subscribers can win a copy of this album all week on Breakfast, Overdrive and Static.
With the release of their heralded third album Side Stepper in late 2008 cementing their position as one of the world’s heavy weight funk high rollers, The Bamboos return with their anticipated fourth long player conveniently titled 4, to avoid any confusion. Having long been celebrated in the funk and soul fraternity, their irresistible musical melting pot of Motown, northern soul, hip hop, pop and a dash of psychedelia, combined with their dynamite live performances, has seen The Bamboos continue to establish themselves within broader audiences.
With Side Stepper reaching number 1 on the Australian iTunes R&B/Soul charts, The Bamboos were also included in The Age’s prestigious ‘Top 100’ list of influential people in Melbourne for 2008. Along with reaching number 4 in The Age’s Australia’s Best Band poll just behind AC/DC (who are alright), The Bamboos also featured in TV shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Underbelly, and recorded music for the multi-platinum Nintendo Wii video game ‘de Blob’.
Their well-earned reputation for delivering an incendiary non-stop mixtape style throw down saw The Bamboos headline the 2010 St Kilda Festival, with their signature party starting sound also seeing them perform at a roll call of events and festivals nationally. The Byron Bay Blues & Roots, Meredith Music, Falls, West Coast Blues & Roots, Adelaide and Sydney Festivals, as well as Golden Plains, Parklife, Days Like This and Trop Fest audiences have all experienced them linking old school breaks raw funk and upfront soul together, live and loud.
4 sees vocalist Kylie Auldist stamp her soul siren signature all over it with her commanding vocals over the infectious horn stabs on ‘On The Sly’, while ‘The Ghost’ sees her flexing her vocal range and diversity, and ‘Keep Me In Mind’ sees a chorus hook that is equal parts gospel, soul and hip hop.
Speaking of hip hop, after mentioning in an interview that the Australian act he most wanted to work with was The Bamboos, block rocker extraordinaire Lyrics Born received his request with the funk fuelled party starter (and semi instructionally titled) ‘Turn it Up’ the resulting collaboration. With its brooding guitar, ’60s soul drums and reverbed-out claps coming across like the mutant love child of Phil Spector and Gnarls Barkley, the incredibly catchy, fresh and unique ‘You Ain’t No Good’ features the mysterious and reclusive Tongan, King Merc on this gospel tinged toe tapper.
The Bamboos delight in infusing the tight, instrumental dance floor style they have so expertly nailed with Motown, Mod and Northern soul to straight-up, ballsy, vocal, floor burning funk. 4 brings to the table elements of rock, pop, psychedelia and hip hop, heralding another twist in their musical journey. It is soul and funk music for today, exciting, vibrant and so addictive it should come with a warning sticker.
