With the likes of Aloe Blacc, Megan Washington, Tim Rogers and Daniel Merriweather featuring on an album, where could you go wrong? The undeniable strength of the nine piece outfit’s fifth album isn’t so much the guest spots, but rather the arrangements, which are beaming with dynamic energy. While each vocalist delivers their own unique, stirring qualities to their respective tracks, The Bamboos ensure that Medicine Man is brought cohesively together.
The Bamboos tie in their soul, jazz and funk influences with rosy pop qualities and this is one album which should be listened to under the sun. Lyrically, things aren’t always so blissful, “I never thought I’d fall this far” croons Merriweather on the opening cut; but Australian rock legend Tim Rogers lends his talents to the lead single ‘I Got Burned’ and the result is, unsurprisingly, one of sheer brilliance.
Washington enhances the laid-back vibes on ‘The Wilhelm Scream’ with The Bamboos adding their own deft touch to the James Blake original. There’s also plenty of variation as the band surprise you with their extension into psychedelic territories on ‘Hello Stranger’
Medicine Man is a testament to one of the country’s most underrated bands. With complex and interesting pop songs, the album is a consistently fulfilling experience and one record that should not be ignored.
– Corey Tonkin
