The latest signing to retro-funk godsend label Daptone, The Budos Band are by default the third greatest music related entity to emerge from the Shaolin; the first being obvious, the second being Redman’s Cribs episode. An 11-piece afro-funk ensemble with four percussionists, the eleven instrumental tracks comprising their forthcoming debut album are as good as anything from their label mates Sharon Jones and The Dapkings; and therefore perfectly capable of holding their own with the nastiest bits of vintage '70s funk.

Practically any Budos Band track would make a fine addition to a “rare” funk compilation or sexy-time mix CD, but even by these guys’ lofty standards, the groove on “T.I.B.W.F.” is enormously thick. A plucked guitar (maybe a bass?) riff lays the bedrock, and an eerie organ melody sets up the dual trumpet refrain around which the song revolves. A baritone sax consistently bleats on the two, and the trumpet solo around the 1:50 mark is plenty tasteful; flashy without being overbearing. The entire presentation is one of precision, and the result is easily the finest struttin’ tune in recent memory. Everyone hits their accents, and everyone gets laid. I can’t wait to see this band live.

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