With a somewhat pretentious don’t-even-attempt-to-Google-it band name, an air of mystery about their identity and record deal with XL, Jungle could easily be dismissed as hipster nonsense. Fortunately, though, the duo, known only as J and T, have produced some unbelievably soulful beats on their self-titled debut.
The pair met when they were kids - apparently bonding over a shared Pokémon habit - and in 2013 Jungle dropped Platoon and The Heat, complete with attention-grabbing, intriguing videos that guaranteed viral success.
In the last few months, alongside a full band, they have continued to build that buzz with some widely discussed, impressive live sets, with their Glastonbury performance in particular getting the plaudits it deserved. With the pressure seemingly on, it is safe to say the boys have delivered here.
The Heat doubles up as the album’s opener and remains a real statement of intent, encompassing their original-yet-borrowed sound, while Busy Earnin’ might just be the track of the summer. Packed with colossal beats, clattering percussion, mesmerising keys and a mighty chorus, it is the one song here that will convince any naysayers.
The lavish numbers continue with the deeper sounds of Platoon and Drops, while Time is another summer anthem that will have people gasping for breath after attempting to scale its falsetto chorus. Smoking Pixels, a mid-album instrumental, is a nice touch if a little superfluous, but Julia is as funky a love song as you are likely to hear this year. It can be easy to dismiss the lyrics of a record with so many sonic layers, but “You’ll be all I ever need” sticks in the mind long after it has wound down.
‘Jungle’ is certainly not flawless, but you can be sure that there is at least one moment here that will put a smile on your face. As a live outfit Jungle can amaze and if they continue along their current path, this could be the start of something big.
Jungle Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu October 23 2014 - LEEDS Metropolitan University
Fri October 24 2014 - MANCHESTER Ritz
Sat October 25 2014 - GLASGOW Arches, Glasgow
Mon October 27 2014 - BIRMINGHAM Library, Institute
Tue October 28 2014 - CAMBRIDGE Junction
Thu October 30 2014 - LONDON O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Mon November 03 2014 - BRIGHTON Concorde 2
Tue November 04 2014 - BRISTOL Anson Rooms
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