Jungle's Volcano erupts with unexpected twists and turns

Almost 10 years on since the release of their debut self-titled album, Jungle stand proudly with four studio albums, a Mercury Prize nomination, a gold-certified debut, and a number 1 record in the US Billboard Dance Album Chart. 2023 warmly welcomes the return of electro duo, a short two years after their last album release Loving In Stereo, with the fresh faced Volcano.

Packed with an eclectic mix of disco, soul and the ever-progressing infusions of hip-hop, the record features the likes of Erick the Architect, Channel Tres, JNR Williams and previous collaborator Bas. Introducing their new body of work in the only way they know how to, debuting single of Volcano came in the fluorescent form of the “Candle Flame.” Packed with vigorous high-energy, which even the winner of the Red Bull Dance competition was pictured dancing to, it’s clear as day Jungle aren’t dropping the ball when it comes to getting bodies moving.

Four albums deep, it’s surprising the duo haven’t leapt onto the theme of a concept record that every musician vows to do once in their career. Very much staying in their own lane, Jungle continue to create tracks that are worlds apart from one another. Clocking into the minds of fitness gurus who are looking for their newest motivational workout track, “Us Against The World” fits the bill in every way possible. Whereas the gooey “I’ve Been In Love” featuring Channel Tres is just as lovesick as it sounds – complete with croons made to be screamed at the top of lungs, set against a sultry backdrop of syncopated synths and blushing harmonies, it’s an obvious soundtrack to all summer romances.

Whilst still maintaining their low-slung, borderline hypnotic, trancing impact on “Dominoes,” which imitate the likes of predecessors “Happy Man” and “Romeo,” the new record continues to explore new avenues and takes an immersive delve into nostalgic throwbacks. Jungles’ “Don’t Play” with Mood Talk could easily sit amongst the likes of Crystal Waters “Gypsy Woman,” Armand Van Helden’s “U Don’t Know Me,” and Phats & Smalls’ “Turn Around” – in the realm of 90s House Classics, most would struggle to decipher the 2020’s anomaly.

Exotic track “Every Night” is paired with congos, tropical riffs and a thumping bassline to create a perhaps unintentional, yet undeniable, resemblance to the soundtrack to the Naughty Dog classic Crash Bandicoot. Shortly followed by the jazz flute leading “Problemz,” which continues to initiate enchanting odes to serene dancehall, the pair work closely together as some of the band’s most experimental tracks.

Exploring a whole new sphere of genres, eras and musical styles, Volcano's unexpected twists and turns place Jungle at their peak of most progressive yet.