Jungle burst onto the scene towards the end of 2013. They would transform over the next few years from an anonymous production duo to a kaleidoscopic, personality-filled seven piece live band built around the core duo of Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland.
Jungle return with a set of new songs, each showcasing a very different side of their sound. ‘Happy Man’ and ‘House In LA’ are the first tracks to be revealed from Jungle’s forthcoming second album; Josh and Tom describe it as “a post-apocalyptic radio station playing break up songs.”
To write and record the new album, J and T swapped Shepherds Bush for the Hollywood Hills. Their romanticisation of The California Dream clashed with the reality of living it—although the experience led them back home to London to finish the album, the journey itself ultimately defined the music it produced.
‘Happy Man’ sees the band visiting themes of disenfranchised youth in an era where the dreams of Baby Boomers are out of reach for a younger generation. Accompanied by a stunning video that gives you a glimpse inside Jungle’s world by introducing the band and new Jungle member Zangi who can be seen dancing.
‘House In LA’ is a complete 180 turn from ‘Happy Man’. It finds the band holed up in the hills of Los Angeles, heartbroken, regrouping and soul searching. And from that a modern psychedelic anthem emerges that is Jungle’s finest production moment to date, making full use of the armoury of live sounds they developed touring the world over the previous five years.
Stream / purchase ‘Happy Man’: https://jungle.lnk.to/HappyMan
Stream / purchase “House In LA’: https://jungle.lnk.to/HouseInLA
