The Bamboos have always gotten a lot of love from me and I expect a lot when they have a new release. Fever In The Road hits on all cylinders and for those new to The Bamboos, they are an Australian funk/soul band that has miraculously managed to do more than simply survive, they have thrived doing what they love.
Mastermind, bandleader and multi-instrumentalist Lance Ferguson has maintained a musical vision that many have attempted but few pull off. The ingredients are your standard funk fueled horn section, a power rhythm section and honey-dipped female vocalists. Over the years guest vocalists were common, but on Fever In The Road they stick with Ella Thompson and Kylie Auldist, both incredibly talented vocalists who take turns elevating the music to ever-greater heights.
When I first heard The Bamboos early in their genesis, they came off, quite successfully, as a bunch of people who just love playing the old style soul that their fathers loved. They were a solid band having the time of their lives and you bought into that when you listened. You want to get up and dance, you have to. If you are breathing, Fever In The Road is going to move you.