Few bands are able to replicate their studio brilliance on the stage as well as London’s very own Jungle, who took to the stage in Manchester on Thursday night, bringing their dazzling collection of genre melting albums to life. The band transformed a sold-out Castlefield Bowl into an open-air dancefloor for one night only, with an eight thousand strong Manchester crowd entranced by the band’s musical prowess and infectious melodies.
Wasting no time, Jungle opened the evening with the nostalgia inducing Busy Earnin’, the perfect tone setter for the night with the crowd in full voice from minute one. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd grooving to the infectious rhythm and soulful melodies of tracks like Candle Flame and What D’You Know About Me?
An Illuminating and vibrant backdrop paid perfect complement to the musical talent on display, with an orange glow washing over the crowd as the sun dipped over the venue, immersing everyone packed into the iconic venue into the performance. Highlights of the night were not sparse to come by, with high moments throughout the set..whether that be the angelic vocals of Lydia Kitto on tracks like Back On 74 and I’ve Been In Love or the dozen inflatable balls being passed around Castlefield Bowl during Coming Back, it was just a night of pure ecstasy!
Dipping in and out of tracks from their 4 incredible albums, the Manchester crowd were treated to a musical journey demonstrating how far Jungle have came as a collective since their inception in 2013.
Jungle’s latest work Volcano is an album overflowing with vibrance and energy, which partnered with the stunning visuals illuminating the stage created a truly immersive experience for all involved, Lloyd-Watson and MacFarland have curated the perfect live experience which is certain to leave a long-lasting impression on all in attendance.
After a set which carried a relentless tempo from start to finish, the band left the stage to a roar of appreciation before heading back out for one final track Keep Moving, receiving the best reaction of the evening, with Castlefield Bowl erupting in a frenzy of euphoria!
Whether you watched their Glastonbury set on the telly or got to see them on the Volcano tour, there’s one conclusion you can make…. Jungle are one of the best around, leaving audiences with a pure sense of elation every single time.
Words by Tom Smith