The Bamboos have an uncanny ability to completely funkify any song while still respecting and paying homage to the original track. They have totally outdone themselves with this brilliantly laidback jazz cover of “The Wilhelm Scream” originally by James Blake.

You'd never be able to imagine the minimalistic crooning of James Blake translated into a song packed with saxophones and brass aplenty until you listen to this song. The Bamboos have such incredible vision, being able to play this track in a style pretty much the polar opposite to its intended style. It works unbelievably well, especially with the addition of Megan Washington's beautiful and I daresay flawless vocals. The texture in this version of the song is much thicker than the original, and there are many added embellishments and little countermelodies in the strings section particularly. While James Blake's “The Wilhelm Scream” was almost haunting, The Bamboos have turned it into more of a feel-good track.

Although musically this cover is far removed from the original track, it still communicates James Blake's chilled-out, calming approach and is the perfect soundtrack to a lazy summery weekend. I've heard that in terms of songs, everything The Bamboos touch turns to gold. I can't testify to that, as I haven't heard much else of their stuff – but going by “The Wilhelm Scream” I would have to agree. This is one of the finest covers I have listened to.

Review score: 9/10