4

There comes a time in every band when their sound crystallises, and with `4', The Bamboos make a succinct musical statement that distils all their influences, nuances and idiosyncrasies and pushes them into a sonic world all their own.

The Bamboos have been championed by Kenny Dope, Kevin Cole (KEXP), Aaron Byrd (KCRW), Bobbito Garcia and Monk One, and are widely acknowledged as one of the best and tightest live bands on the planet. They are up there with Sharon Jones' Dap Kings in the danceability, authenticity and cool stakes and - oh ok, if you insist we go there - bandleader Lance Ferguson (aka production wunderkind Lanu) more than rivals your Mark Ronsons in the categories of `busiest man in funk' and `crossover cover version genius' Their version of Kings Of Leon's "King Of The Rodeo" last year scored nearly 150,000 YouTube hits.

The Bamboos delight in infusing the tight, instrumental dancefloor style they have so expertly nailed with Motown, Mod and Northern soul to straight-up, ballsy, vocal funk sass and whatever is rocking Ferguson's perennially curious musical sensibility. And `4' brings to the table elements of rock, pop, psychedelia and hip hop, heralding another twist in their sonic path. It is soul and funk music for today, not mired in over-the-top adherence to simply copying what has been done many times before.

Bamboos vocalist Kylie Auldist's work on this album could truly be described as virtuoso, especially on tracks such as "On The Sly"; huge live number "The Ghost" - in which she really changes up the vocal style range-wise and shows us she's got many more tricks up her sleeve. Other vocalists also add a major degree of excitement: adored US rapper Lyrics Born features on the party funk number, "Turn It Up"; and the incredibly catchy, fresh and unique "You Ain't No Good" features the mysterious and reclusive Tongan, King Merc