Album Review
Jungle - Jungle
4 StarsJungle aren’t stuck sweating in the Amazon.
The sirens, field recordings and distant yelps that form a minor part of Jungle’s debut album are just as important as the falsettoed funk that defines the London band’s sound. This first work is immesurably calculated, a record made by two guys intent on conquering the charts. It’s music with a structure, a purpose. Those choruses need to come in before the 1 minute mark. Each song needs a nostalgic core and a future-leaning edge. Jungle have undoubtedly read The KLF’s guide on how to get to Number One. And it’s easy to view their once anonymous, irresistibly catchy schtick with cynicism. But that would be overlooking a fantastic collection of songs and, besides, those field recordings give an all-important guide to the process. They sound like two guys having the time of their life, even if it’s a life spent following a rulebook.
‘Accelerate’ sets itself in the midst of a club, appreciative whistles and crowd whoops backing a disco strut. Closer ‘Lemonade Lake’ practically sounds like it’s sipping in an actual ocean, so clean and crystal-clear is its delivery. Jungle aren’t stuck sweating in the Amazon. They explore environments, and test out their immediately familiar pop in dynamic settings. Then there’s the choruses - Jungle sure know how to write them. ‘Busy Earnin’’ is a lonesome tale that somehow morphs into a glittering giant. Even ‘Lucky I Got What I Want’ - the record’s sombre counterpoint - cuts to the chase and delivers a singalong without a second wasted. One criticism lumped at Jungle is that they’ve shoed all their early singles into this record. Try writing this many world-beating songs in the space of a year while leaving them off a debut - then write back.
When it comes to the fresher tracks, they all sound like they were written during the same inspired session. ‘Smoking Pixels’ is a default theme song, ‘Julia’ a juggernaut waiting in the wings. ‘Crumbler’ is a duff note, but only by the standards of ‘Time’’s giant stature and ‘Son of a Gun’’s subtle flex. Besides, any record that contains ‘Platoon’ and ‘The Heat’ alongside these big guns is destined to soundtrack unbounded hedonism for years to come. Given the excitement that’s put to tape, it’s obvious this has been Jungle’s intention all along; not to be mysterious, not even to be adored; just to be the record that plays while people’s lives are shaped. Something that’s remembered within every pang of nostalgia.
Read More
Roskilde Festival adds SZA, Jessie Ware, The Last Dinner Party and more to 2024 lineup
The Danish non-profit festival had previously confirmed the likes of Doja Cat, Foo Fighters, and PJ Harvey.
29th February 2024, 11:21am
BRITs confirm Jungle and Chase & Status for ceremony performance
The likes of Dua Lipa, RAYE, and Kylie will also grace the stage on the big night.
16th February 2024, 9:51am
Bilbao BBK Live reveal 2024 lineup, including Jungle, Massive Attack, Ezra Collective and more
The Spanish festival is set to take place from 11th-13th July next summer.
1st December 2023, 2:25pm
Jungle - Volcano
4 Stars
More breezy bops than all-out summer smashes, but nevertheless extremely rich and warm in sound.
9th August 2023, 7:58am
Featuring SOFT PLAY, Corinne Bailey Rae, 86TVs, English Teacher and more!