There is a fine line between masterfully drawing on the golden age of soul for inspiration and simply polishing up its most recognisable moments. Fortunately, The Bamboos know how to stay on the right side of it, and Sugar on Top wears its influences openly while bringing enough modern and infectious energy to avoid becoming merely an exercise in retro styling. It is a record built on warmth, groove and a keen understanding of what makes a great soul tune tick, perhaps erring on the side of comfort over surprise, but who doesn’t enjoy comfort?
‘Hello Sunshine’ opens proceedings with the most sun-kissed infectiousness, sparkling soul meeting shimmering retro-pop poise. It is an immediate mood-lifter, though its easy charm also sets a template the album returns to often. The title track follows effortlessly, keeping the funk fires burning with an upbeat, rhythm-led approach that is the very definition of that oft-overused tag – earworm. For once, such a label is justified.
‘Don’t Come ‘Round My Door’ is a particular high point in an album of many high points, a brilliant echo of that place where soul, blues and pop met in an early seventies haze. It captures the looseness and swagger of that era without sounding like it’s just going over old ground. ‘Pretty Sally’ is pretty special too, spacious and oozing everything that made the golden age of soul so golden, ebbing and flowing between understatement and groove, with breezy brass deftly and delicately adding colour. A reminder, perhaps, that sometimes the most effective musical statement is knowing when not to play.
The album rounds off with ‘Who Knows’, which sounds like the soul classic Marvin Gaye never got around to writing for the seminal What’s Going On. That is quite a compliment, although it also hints at the album’s occasional reliance on the familiar language of its influences.
The Bamboos understand the value of a great groove, a well-placed horn, and a lingering, luscious melody. Sugar On Top may not rewrite the soul rulebook, I guess, but it never intended to; no, it’s not going to change the world, but it sure as hell will make your day!
