Live Review: The Bamboos, Godtet

Those paying attention were instantly enthralled by Sydney outfit Godtet. At the helm of the project is multi-instrumentalist and producer Godriguez, who shared the stage with another guitarist and drummer this evening, and together were charged with warming up The Bamboos crowd.

The trio performed each of their jazz-infused tracks with precision, blending each complex soundscape seamlessly into the next. Layering guitar on electric production and tempering it with a range of culturally ambiguous beats, it was easy to get caught up in the uniqueness of their sound. Finally pausing at the end of their set to let the crowd show their appreciation, they tried to get a chant going for The Bamboos, before hopping off stage to watch the band themselves.

Melbourne funk and soul collective The Bamboos graced us with their presence one by one, as they carefully assembled their nine-piece ensemble on the small Oxford Art Factory stage.

Launching into their first track, the packed room didn't need much convincing that they were going to have a good time — possibly due to the median age of the audience being a little higher than average for a gig at the venue. The Bamboos quickly proved they could live up to the hype, but just to make sure, lead guitarist and honorary hype man Lance Ferguson called on the audience to respond to a bunch of statements with a, "Hell yeah!" His enthusiasm was met and exceeded.

Tonight's show was in celebration of their latest release Night Time People — with Ferguson giving it a plug — and they played their latest single Lit Up. But it was better-known tracks that had the crowd excited and let the incredible vocals of Kylie Auldist really shine through, powerful enough to be heard over a brass quartet and dedicated cowbell player Phil Binotto (who happened to be the newest member of the crew).

The nine-piece ensemble powered through their set of triumphant tunes with high energy and magnificent poise. The energy in the room was electric, with everyone looking like they were having the time of their lives (band included). The band's rapport on stage was second to none, along with their musicianship, and the audience responded by cracking out their daggiest dance moves. The Bamboos are a force to be reckoned with, and tonight's show reaffirmed why they are recognised as one of the greatest modern soul-funk acts around town.