The Bamboos - Night Time People (2018)

Already regarded as one of the world’s premier funk-soul outfits, The Bamboos eighth studio album is shaping to be the record that capitalises on that runaway success. The eleven tracks on the album reinvigorate the familiar arrangements and grooves of early funk-soul with the depth of a contemporary songwriting style, and all sung by one of the most distinctive voices in Australia. The first taste of the album, “Lit Up”, is built upon an insanely catchy piano riff and the best use of cowbell since “Honky Tonk Women”. Against that, Auldist sings of trying to hide away from her pain. Mixed by the legendary Bob Clearmountain (who has worked on historic albums by the likes of Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and Bowie) and accompanied by a stylish, high contrast black and white video, the end result isn’t just the meeting point of irresistible groove and raw emotion, but also of light and dark – something that characterizes the band as well as this album.

On the album closer “Broken”, three different MCs were asked to tell stories of resilience, each on their own version of the track. To help that message resonate internationally they were selected from different corners of the world. Atlanta based J-Live, Sydney MC Urthboy and fast rising Berlin MC / singer / producer Teesy. Their personal and insightful rhymes are joined by a rousing, spirit-lifting chorus from Kylie.

After discovering the original version of “This Girl” on Youtube, the then 19 year old French DJ / producer Kungs, requested to license the track for a remix. It soon topped charts in Germany and France, sat at #2 in the UK for 5 weeks and went gold or platinum in fourteen countries. It’s the twelfth most Shazamed song of all time is edging close to 500 million Spotify plays, and 300 million Youtube views.

The success of “This Girl” was vindication of Ferguson and Auldist’s work together, something that’s no secret to Bamboos fans worldwide, built steadily over their seven studio albums. The years of hard work have already been well recognized in their home country, with five ARIA Awards nominations, and three APRA Songwriting Award nominations. After featuring guests on earlier albums like Aloe Blacc, Daniel Merriweather and Alice Russell, Ferguson made the decision to have Auldist as the only singer on ‘Night Time People’. “I think when people come to a Bamboos show, or hear Kylie’s voice on record, they feel that warmth and energy”, he reflects. “She just connects with people and allows them to let go and to feel good. Kylie exudes human joy, warmth and soul”.