The Bamboos
Spinning a cartwheel out of their comfort zone, Fever In The Road is a confident assertion by The Bamboos, a resounding proclamation that they do not intend to be a parody of themselves.
Doing away with guest vocalists on this release is further proof of a galvanised unit, as where Medicine Man was awash with ring-ins, this LP is held together solely by Kylie Auldist and Ella Thompson. Either could ably handle vocal duties alone, but both bring a distinctive flavour that just seems to work – a testament to the adaptable, intelligent songwriting of band mastermind Lance Ferguson.
Avengers is both the first song and latest single from the LP and beautifully blends pop with soul; Thompson's haunting, breathy vocals giving the track an edge that couples well with the curious chord progressions. Continuing with Helpless Blues, cheeky guitar and bass lay down a '50s handclap groove that contrasts with the following more classically soul inspired Rats, with its fist-pumping, horn-tooting chorus.
The rest of the album flows in a sine wave of pop and soul – from the slow bob of Leave Nothing Behind to the yearning Before I Go, no stone is left creatively unturned. Auldist's powerful vocals bring in The Truth, the track building upon itself until almost fit to burst, before subtle strings weave throughout the dreamy Harbinger, adding an ethereal touch.
Fever In The Road is a sonic experience imbued with optimism and playfulness and a more than worthy addition to the band's legacy.
