Antipodean funk/soul aggregation, The Bamboos, return with what is unequivocally their best album yet (despite the set's patent lack of inspiration as regards its dull and somewhat perfunctory title – but who cares?). Kicking off with the brassy retro-groove of the lead-off 45, 'On The Sly' - led by the band's resident soulful chanteuse, Kylie Auldist - the Australian octet demonstrate why they're regarded so highly by even the most fastidious of funk fanatics: they've assimilated the key components of the classic funk and soul lexicon from a host of antique influences and distilled what they've learned to come up with something fresh, original, exciting and despite the music's retro feel, contemporary.

The group's arrival into the music mainstream is reflected by a greater number of vocal cuts this time around – the wonderful Ms. Auldist features on seven in total, while Stateside, rapper, Lyrics Born, guests on the cut, 'Turn It Up.' Certainly, Kylie Auldist's charismatic presence is one of this album's key attractions, as she demonstrates on songs like 'Kings Cross,' 'The Ghost' – a mutant Meters'-style groove seasoned with bags of brass – 'Keep Me In Mind,' the propulsive 'Like Tears In Rain,' and the pulsating Motown-esque dancer, 'Never Be The Girl.' The latter with its catchy chorus and bright pop beat undoubtedly has the potential to be a hit single given the right exposure.

There are some killer instrumentals, too, like the '70s blaxploitation-style 'Red Triangle,' the JB's-influenced 'Typhoon,' and 'Up On The Hill,' which unusually, features an Indian sitar melody framed by a funkafied back beat, ghostly organ and chugging rhythm guitars. The Bamboos have been a cult phenomenon beloved by funk anoraks for far too long – now, with this magnificent and varied fourth opus, there's a real possibility they will break out of the confines of the funk ghetto and finally find a larger crossover audience to bamboozle with their addictive grooves. Funkin' marvellous.