Injecting the necessary funk into the Melbourne music scene and beyond since 2001, The Bamboos are an ever evolving musical force. Initially presenting themselves as a tight instrumental deep funk outfit, they have developed a stronger soul sound with the addition of singer Kylie Auldist , and once again in 2012 they expanded their sound with guest vocalists such as Aloe Blacc , You Am I’s Tim Rodgers and Megan Washington on their fifth album Medicine Man .
Another addition to the bands core line up in 2012 was AXOLOTL ‘s Ella Thompson . Thompson now takes the lead on the vocals of The Bamboo’s latest single ‘ Avenger .’ There’s an echoey, cheeky quality to her voice on this one, which fits really well with the sentiment of the lyrics. The chorus has a great melody to sing along to, although it’s difficult to understand what the words are at times, there’s too much echo. Guitars, keys, bass and drum are heavy in this offering, and sadly the brass section is nowhere to be heard.
I can’t help thinking this song (and perhaps the feel of the upcoming album) is an extension of the vibes on their successful track ‘ I Got Burned’ with Tim Rodgers, and subsequent The Rock ‘N Soul Medicine Show the band and Rodgers embarked on earlier this year. Obviously this direction worked quite well for them, with the triple j Hottest 100 success (the track came in at #54 in 2012) and the spinoff tour. So it’ll be interesting to see this new direction play out for the adaptable band, without the addition Rodgers’ fame.
Fever in The Road is released on November 8th before the band head off on the Fever In The Road Australian Tour on November 29th.
WORDS BY Leah Phillips
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