Jungle
The Exchange, Bristol | 21 March
Before the gig, everybody was wondering what they’re going to look like. It goes to show that we’re obsessed with a band’s credentials: where they came from, and whether or not they went to Guildford Music School. These factors are intrinsically linked the way we form our perceptions about a band’s music. By remaining semi-anonymous during early stages, Jungle let their brand of ultra-groovy music do the talking. You could argue that their strategy of ‘mystery’ is refreshing, adding a welcomed sense anticipation to tonight’s proceedings.
Just before Jungle arrive onstage to the roaring applause of the crowd at a packed Exchange, a soundtrack of crickets and howling monkey noises signalled their arrival. And despite a few gasping slightly upon realising that they were, in fact, middle class white guys (and probably Guildford Music School alumni), any narrow-minded preconceptions were soon blown away.
Their renditions of the singles – The Heat, Platoon and Busy Earnin’ – sound perfect. Maybe a little too perfect at points, you could argue, as Crack will hear murmurs of pre-recorded backing tracks in the smoking area afterwards. Perhaps their whirlwind success has meant their rapid transition from production to playing shows had left some things yet to be fully amalgamated into the ‘live’ show. But despite this niggle, coupled with the airing of a few weaker filler tracks, the vibe was great and the enjoyment enhanced by the band members looking as though in a dream. And like a dream, Jungle have no real, tangible beginning – they’ve just began full-throttle, and there’s no real knowing what will happen next either.
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Words: Tim Oxley Smith
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