Discover that jungle sound

A musical group named Jungle have recently come to my attention. Comprised of two members previously known merely as "J" and "T", this duo are long-time friends from Shepherd's Bush in London. Their rise in popularity last year was shrouded in mystery. From playing live shows hidden in the shadows on stage to revealing very little about themselves, they let their music speak for itself. Now you may think this could be a marketing tactic - after all think how popular anonymous graffiti artist Banksy has become. However, interviews reveal that the pair merely wanted honest opinions and reactions to the music they shared. 

To cut to the chase, earlier this summer Jungle released one of the most refreshing albums I've heard in a while. The genre is sort of laidback soul or funk, and has a really old school, 1970's feel to it. Some have compared them to a modern-day Daft Punk, probably due to their initial anonymity. After hearing their first single, the falsetto funky "The Heat", I instantly wanted more.

For a sample as you read, check out their follow-up singles, "Platoon" and "Busy Earnin" - both excellent!

Start to finish, the entire self-titled album is great. For me the highlights include "Accelerate", "Julia", "Crumbler" and "Lemonade Lake". Their unique style of music is a welcome change from the pop landscape of radio-friendly hits, all of which seem to have generic boring copycat electro-produced beats. 

Conversely, Jungle's sound is very original. It's exciting. From first listen their album required no time to grow on me. I instantly liked it. It is no wonder that they were signed to the label XL Recordings, home to a myriad of diverse talent such as Adele, Gil Scott-Heron, Jamie XX, M.I.A., Radiohead, Sampha, Sigur Ros and The [awesome] XX. For me, Jungle make music that is part psychedelic, part soul, part trip-hop, part jazz...but purely groovy. 

Don't forget to check out the retro music video for "The Heat". Featuring a superbly talented duo dancing on roller skates, it's no surprise that it instantly went viral!

When I'm in your light

"Wally" Andre de Backer is an awesome Belgian/Australian artist, otherwise known as Gotye. Most are familiar with "Somebody That I Used to Know", a very popular indie song which also fared very well on the club scene after a great remix which pumped it full of energy by none other than Tiesto. His third album Making Mirrors is quite a mixed bag, with some very different songs. Personally I really like this upbeat track "In Your Light". 

And it can settle the sadness
And the voices in my head
When I'm in the glow of the warmth you throw ♥
I can put all that to bed

(In your light, just when I'm in your light)

While you should obviously check out the album in its entirety, I suggest you also listen to this song "Giving Me a Chance" which is extremely different - with very laid-back and ambient vibe.  Enjoy!