Recently I’ve been a bit down on modern music, and the derivative drivel that’s been put out by bands and labels alike. From reading my reviews one might think I’ve got a thing against “retro” music. Funny thing is I love it, but the reason I don’t like a lot of the dance music made in the last 5 years is I can’t understand why people would want to take a pretty average sounding music style and re-create that for their sound or genre without improving on it.

That’s why I dig the Bamboos so much. They have a retro feel, but first of all it’s based on original 70s funk and soul, which in my opinion is the best genre that exists, so there’s one plus, and second of all they do it damn good job improving it. Not only are all the members amazing at their instruments – and listen to drummer Daniel Farrugia on Amen Brother, Bruce Sandell on flute on the title track, or Lance Ferguson on guitar Funky Buttercup, to really appreciate their talents – but the selection of people they choose to work with is equally inspired.

Megan Washington’s take on the Kings of Leon “King of The Rodeo” is sublime, taking the rocking original and making into a 60s styled pop smash. UK hiphopper Ty’s delivery on I Can’t Help Myself is equally superb, the pace suiting the hiphop rhyme. Kylie Audist does an amazing job lamenting over lost love in Tears Cried and praising life for love gained in the next track, Now That You Are Mine.The Swedish sensation that is Paul MacInnes’ smooth vocals on Move On mark it as a timeless soul classic.

In fact, every song on this album is awesome. It really is simple as that. And something that makes it even sweeter is if you buy the vinyl, you get bonus tracks not on the CD, but you get the CD version thrown in! So stop reading this, go out to your record store or fire up itunes and buy this album.