Music / Jungle
Review: Jungle, O2 Academy
It’s been four long years since Jungle stormed onto the scene in a smokey hurricane of funk, rising atmospherically with their glossy debut. Since then they’ve pretty much disappeared into the background, their sleek electronic funk playing in the background of any great summers day.
But, it seems like the collective have simply been cultivating a massive return as they quietly announce a tour and begin to pop up on festival line-ups. For those who are excited by this prospect then their ‘For Ever’ tour shouldn’t be missed.
It’s a bold move to open a show with a brand new song, especially when you’ve been away for so long, but it’s a choice the group dives into with Smile. It’s a fresh cut of everything that makes Jungle so addictive, a groove-laden track with tropical drum backing and it sets the tone for the night. Despite being the first time that most of the room has ever heard the tune, it has an infectious rhythm that starts moving the crowd.
As they transition into old favourites, Julia and The Heat, there isn’t a person left stationary in the room, from nodding heads to shoulder shuffling and all-out boogies. While their old cuts are received warmly it’s clear that there’s strong anticipation for what has been brewing in their absence.
Fortunately, just under half the tracks played are taken from their sophomore album, and each sits organically amongst their hits. Recently released single, Happy Man, is a mesmerisingly cool look a modern materialism that practically shimmers. Casio is silky smooth with soulful vocals and bubbling backing beats that cuts so abruptly it’s like the plug has been pulled on the night. The highlight of the night comes from recently released, House in LA. It’s a break from the groups’ typical formulae and it pays off incredibly. The sweeping, cinematic intro leaves your hairs standing on end as it builds into sprawling piano and bass lines that are tinged with a dark touch.
The group close up with Busy Earnin’ before giving into the crowd and returning for Time. It’s a triumphant return for the group and one that has left the crowd so animated that the man dancing next to me passes out from exhaustion. With a reaction like that to their new material, it’s clear that they’re heading for victory.
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