Jungle - Jungle [Album Review]

Roughly a year ago, a new group shrouded in mystery started appearing around the internet known only as Jungle. We (kind of) knew that there were two members, known only as 'T' and 'J''. Release after release, this duo gave the world the combination of unique harmonizing vocals over electronic arrangements, usually accompanied by some of the better music videos I've ever seen. Cut to today, and we now know that T and J are actually Tom McFarland and Joshua Lloyd-Watson, and the release of their self-titled debut LP is finally here. 

For those who haven't previously heard Jungle, their sound can be best described as an electronic/jazz-funk cross. It's the kind of funk you would expect from the '70s, not mid 2014. The vocals are always tame and silky and harmonized which has become their unique signature on the music world. Had someone described them to me before I had heard them, I doubt I would have imagined what Jungle would actually sound like. Hilly Dilly put it best when they described them as "everything you've ever wanted from a musical act, without even knowing you wanted it in the first place."

For those who have given these guys a listen, you already know what you're in for. Of the 12 tracks on the album, 6 of them we've heard before, so I'm not going to talk about them as much, but I will say that I love the choice of The Heat as the opening track. The production on the remaining tracks is no less crisp and perfected than what we've heard, and there are definitely some standout tracks, Crumbler chief among them. It has one of the more minimal instrumentation and lowers the tempo compared to the rest of the album, but that is precisely why it stands out.  Julia is another gem of a song, with crisp horns (well, electronic horns), a great beat, and amplified vocals in the chorus that are these guys' absolutely forte.

Jungle is now available on iTunes, and the group is also on tour so be sure to check them out if they're passing through your town (They're in Vancouver October 14th)