The Bamboos - Hard Up

Hard Up is the tenth studio album by Australian funk and soul band The Bamboos, released in May 2021 via Pacific Theatre and BMG.

The Bamboos are an Australian funk and soul band from Melbourne, formed in 2000 by New Zealand born producer, guitarist and songwriter Lance Ferguson.

On their tenth studio album, Hard Up, the nine-piece powerhouse have refined their craft of finding the sweetest spot between soul and funk to the finest point yet.

The album was recorded at a sprawling country house just outside Melbourne, with the communal studio sessions solidifying their already seemingly telepathic musical interplay.

Alongside long-time stellar vocalist Kylie Auldist are guests Durand Jones (of Durand Jones & The Indications), Joey Dosik (Vulfpeck) and Ev Jones (Jones Jnr.).

The album features the singles “Hard Up”, “While You Sleep”, “Power Without Greed” and a cover of Black Box’s “Ride On Time”.

Even after 21 years since they formed The Bamboos once again manage to reinvigorate a classic sound, seamlessly incorporating contemporary influences to create something altogether brand new.

Laced with Hammond organ, horns, funky guitars, bass, drums and flourishes of flute and saxophone, the album is a fun and fresh palate of funk and soul with Kylie’s vocals interspersed with some cool guest vocals and the instrumental “Upwey Funk”.

All the songs work seamlessly together and then the album closer “Ride On Time” brings the listener to something familiar, yet different. This is a cracking cover version and is a perfect ending to the album.

The Captain’s favourites are “I just Heard You Leaving” (with an emotional vocal by Kylie), “Upwey Funk”, “If Not Now (Then When)” and “Tomorrow”.

The vinyl package is beautiful on gold vinyl with a printed lyric insert and cool photos, reminiscent of a 1970s polaroid collage.

Lance and the band have done a beautiful job bringing their new songs to life on this album.

This double album 2LP record set is a 2022 repress on gold coloured vinyl housed in a single pocket sleeve with printed insert and download code, pressed in Australia via Pacific Theatre and BMG.