Formed by producers Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland in 2013, Jungle, have captured the hearts of fans across the globe thanks to their groove-driven, electronic-tinged songs. Over the last 11 years, the group have released four incredible records and become known for creating bold and striking music videos with brilliantly choreographed dancing. Interestingly, for a group that has achieved so much, it feels as if over the last year, Jungle’s reputation has skyrocketed to the level of recognition they truly deserve. Since the release of their superb fourth album Volcano in August 2023, its TikTok-dominating single “Back On 74”, and longtime live band musician, Lydia Kitto, becoming a permanent member, Jungle have now elevated to a dizzying height of acclaim.
If you turn back the clock three years ago to 2021, Jungle were headlining London’s Brixton Academy, a 3,859-person capacity venue, in support of third LP, Loving In Stereo. Fast forward to now and they’ve put on one of their most important live shows to date at the O2 – a 20,000-capacity venue. It’s a clear milestone and the band were very aware of this. On the night, following a stellar support act from producer and DJ Mood Talk, Jungle took to the stage shortly after 9:10pm. After a dramatic unveiling of the stage, once a Jungle-branded curtain fell to the floor, the eight-member live band showed they meant business. Opening with the 2014 self-titled album track “Busy Earnin’” to rapturous applause. Following the pyrotechnic opener, the band played a range of fan-favourites and deep cuts from their album discography – Jungle, For ever, Loving In Stereo, and Volcano.
It wasn’t until Jungle tore through “Candle Flame”, “Dominoes”, and got to “The Heat”, that the band addressed the audience. Josh said, “London, how are you doing? Thanks for coming out tonight, you guys look so beautiful from up here.” There were mass clap-alongs and dancing from the audience when Jungle performed songs like “Heavy, California” and “Beat 54”. Impressively, every single song performed sounded like it could have been straight from the record, the vocals and musicianship were seemingly flawless. By the time “Back On 74” came on, you could even see people sitting on shoulders in The O2’s standing general admission section. Tom then took the time to acknowledge the significance of the show, saying: “It’s good to be home, this is fucking magical.”
Highlights-wise, the group brought out American rapper Bas for “Romeo”, it was also touching for Josh to take a moment to thank all the band’s collaborators who have helped them get to this point. It was a thrill hearing classic tunes like “Time” but also a selection of tracks from Volcano. Like the infectious dance-heavy track, “Us Against The World” which at that point in time, felt like Jungle turned The O2 into a rave. Alternatively, hearing “What D’you Know About Me?” From Loving in Stereo or the group’s latest stand-alone single “Let’s Go Back”made The O2 feel like it was part of the crowd for an episode of Soul Train. The vibes were immaculate. After more confetti cannons, throwing massive inflatable balls into the crowd, and more hits, the band left the stage before completing a one-song encore of the incredible tune, “Keep Moving”.
Undoubtedly, Jungle’s debut headline show at The O2 was a success, and there seemed to be very few people on their phones recording. Yes, there were some from time to time, and I’m also one for snapping some photos and videos, but for the whole, it felt like people were just enjoying the moment.
The show was an exhilarating experience which further cemented Jungle as one of the best live bands in the world. But of course they’ve always been a world-class act, even before headlining The O2.
Read our previous chat with Jungle by clicking here.
Words Cameron Poole
Photography Tamiym Cader
Thanks to Appetite Publicity
