"Medicine Man" is The Bamboos’ fifth album! A revelatory, forward-looking record, with guests including Aloe Blacc, Daniel Merriweather and Megan Washington alongside the powerhouse stylings of regular singer Kylie Auldist, this stunning LP marks another twist in the tale for Australia’s kings of the groove. Masterfully blending blues, pop, soul and psychedelia influences with fresh ideas and stellar performances, they have forged a multi-layered pop sound they can truly call their own.

An upfront taste of the album came in December 2011, with the limited edition release of “The Wilhelm Scream” feat. Megan Washington on The Bamboos’ 10th Anniversary 7”; this soul-gospel reinvention of James Blake’s dubstep ballad won over tastemakers including Rob da Bank (BBC R1), Steve Lamacq (6Music) and John Kennedy (XFM). Next up, the first official single on 21st May will be the summery and laid-back “Where Does the Time Go?” featuring the inimitable Aloe Blacc; this digital double A-side also brings the snaking, swampy guitar groove of “I Got Burned”, with vocals from rock ‘n’ roll royalty Tim Rogers of legendary Australian band You Am I. The early Australian release is already a smash, with national radio playlist additions including Triple J, and early support for both tracks from BBC 6Music’s Nemone, Don Letts and Craig Charles is bringing the new sound to the UK fans.

Bandleader Lance Ferguson and his Melbourne nine-piece have come a long way since forming in 2001. Initially inspired by the raw funk of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s they were labelled one of the greatest funk bands of our time. But while many would be happy to just keep soaking up the praise, The Bamboos delight in confounding and exceeding expectations. A seasoned DJ and solo producer (aka BBC 6Music Rebel Playlist winner Lanu), Ferguson's myriad influences and passion for artistic progression ensure each new release is a discovery for devout fans and newcomers alike; and the wide ranging media support over the last decade, from MOJO to Rolling Stone and BBC Radio 2 to NPR, proves that The Bamboos are much more than a great funk band – they are a great band. With the last LP, ‘4’ (2010), Ferguson hinted that The Bamboos had cut loose from the retro labels; ‘Medicine Man’ cements that, and then some. “We may still wear our influences on our sleeves”, he says, “but it's definitely music for now”.