Jungle review in Bristol - Anson Rooms Tuesday 4 November 2014
Posted on: 2014-11-06
Our rating:
Jungle's catchy tunes and funky, disco vibe seemed to appeal to the entire audience, which was populated from those in their mid twenties right up to those who might remember ?hustling? in the first disco era.
My husband says that I dance like a robot. To be clear, he doesn’t take issue with my sense of rhythm. My problem is that most of the time when I’m dancing I don’t know what to do with my arms. Unless I’m very much moved by the music they stay suspended by my sides with only my hands flicking back and forth, like flaps on an airplane. I was hoping that the evening’s funky disco music would inspire some new moves.
There were two support acts. The first up were a Filipino duo called Eyedress who play a type of electronic music branded witch-house. The vocalist explained to the crowd that he was ‘f***ing drunk’ but still up for it, adding “I don’t know what the next song is but I’m f***ing ready.”
To be fair he did cope, as did most of the crowd by going for a drink.
Next up was D.D Dumbo, a solo artist from Australia showcasing his version of the blues which are, according to his label’s website, inspired by “African desert blues” and “Tanzanian ilimba”. He created a big sound by playing all the parts himself, using a guitar, drums and loop back pedals. There was also a recorder in the mix at one point. As a talented instrumentalist with great vocals he’ll be one to watch.
The entire half hour between D.D Dumbo and Jungle was used to set the stage for the collective, which grows from duo J and T to a seven-piece for live performances. Seven people use a lot of kit.
They finally came out to jungle noises and launched with Platoon, the song popularized by the video featuring the break dancing six year old - see below - B-Girl Terra.
Jungle - Platoon from Jungle on Vimeo.
Onstage they produced a great big sound and seemed to really enjoy themselves. Their catchy tunes and funky, disco vibe seemed to appeal to the entire audience, which was populated from those in their mid twenties right up to those who might remember ‘hustling’ in the first disco era.
The band gradually grooved their way through their Mercury nominated album and returned for an enthusiastic encore, finishing up with the popular Busy Earnin’.
Their infectious melodies and easy rhythms made for a very happy crowd and encouraged a good shuffle and wiggle but, aside from some over-the-head hand clapping, my arms peaked at only shoulder-height. Maybe I need some lessons from the B-Girl.
4/5
Reviewed by Melissa Rush for 365Bristol
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
