London-based duo Jungle have spent the last nine years since their debut album building the foundation of their sound. Thier first two albums dug the hole that the house would sit on while 2018’s Loving In Stereo poured the cement that would serve as the base for the sound the rest of the house can stand on. Jungle’s latest release Volcano is the walls, windows, ceiling, doggy door, half-bath, and every other piece of the house. Volcano is the summer soundtrack that 2023 has been missing.
The largely unrecognized and mysterious Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland make up Jungle and have delivered a fun, high energy record that picks up where Loving In Stereo off. Their sound is the result of a delicious musical stew filled with ingredients soul, electronica, funk, disco, and pop. The first bowl of the stew has hints of 70’s soul groups like the Spinners, Chi-Lites, and Stylistics.
“Every Night” would have been on a constant repeat during the summer at Studio 54 during the height of the disco era with its pulsating groove that never lets up. “Dominoes” is the perfect song for the backyard barbeque while paired with a thirst-quenching glass of lemonade. Lloyd-Watson and McFarland decided to take a step back on Volcano and invite some friends to lend their voices to the album.
Lydia Kitto shares the lead vocals on some of the album’s stellar tracks. She dives deep to channel her inner Minnie Ripperton on “Candle Flame” hitting those high notes that Minnie would routinely hit effortlessly. Flatbush Zombies’ Erik the Architect joins Kitto on the track and perfectly counterbalances the sweetness of her performance. Channel Tres’ slowed down Childish Gambino delivery embraces the feeling that comes with falling in love on the reggae inspired “I’ve Been In Love.”
Upon listening to this and any other Jungle record, it is obvious to hear the groups that inspire the duo. Gorillaz vibes are on display on “Back On 74” while French duo The Blaze and Sault can be heard throughout the record. The anonymity that the duo tries to live behind is very reminiscent of the even more mysterious Sault. Fans of Sault that are looking for similar bands to embrace would be doing themselves a great service by diving into Volcano as well as the rest of Jungle’s discography.
Make yourself and friends a pitcher of your favorite summer beverage, gather in the backyard and push play on Volcano for a guaranteed wonderful time. @jungle4eva
Steven McCash is the Lead Music Writer and Utility Man for SoBros Network. Steven is the host of the ‘Drinking With…’ podcast, and the pioneer of New Music Friday, highlighting each week’s new releases in the world of music in addition to the occasional live show review. He also pitches in as a Nashville lifestyle writer and football analyst (hence the ‘Utility Man’ title). Follow on Twitter: @MC_Cash75
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