Last August, while hanging out at a friend’s place, I stumbled upon Jungle, a British electronic music duo, and it was an instant hook. The music video for “Back on 74” – pure visual and auditory magic – quickly became my most-watched video. It was a four-minute explosion of disco, soul, and pop, all perfectly synchronized with some of the most captivating dance moves I’d ever seen.
What I didn’t realize then was that “Back on 74” was just a glimpse into a larger project. Jungle had created a staggering 14 music videos, one for each track on their latest album, “Volcano.”
Released in August of last year, “Volcano,” their fourth album, is a vibrant homage to past genres, a signature element of Jungle’s sound. The album is deeply rooted in soul, hip-hop, disco, and funk, yet it sounds incredibly modern and innovative.
“Volcano” is undeniably a dance album masterpiece. It’s practically impossible to stay still when Jungle’s music is playing. It’s no surprise then that they’ve amplified their music’s energy with equally mesmerizing visuals, creating a truly immersive experience that goes beyond just listening – it’s about experiencing the Jungle Dance.
While Jungle is known for their choreographed music videos, “Volcano” took it to another level. They released a 40-minute film compiling all the music videos. Each video premiered individually over several months, making each release feel like a special event.
Shay Latukolan’s choreography is simply breathtaking. He directs a troupe of incredibly talented dancers who weave through interconnected storylines, turning each video into a piece of a larger narrative puzzle. As viewers, we slowly piece together the story, captivated by the jungle dance unfolding before us.
“Volcano,” with its complete visual component, delves into the complexities of love – love for others and self-love. It’s a narrative that resonates far beyond the infectious beats and jungle dance rhythms.
Amidst these personal stories, two producers (presumably Jungle members) oversee the action from a cozy recording studio. Between songs, snippets of dialogue from seemingly unrelated sources drift in. For example, between “Us Against The World” and “Holding On,” a voice with a Transatlantic accent announces, “There are those who would say that the story which follows could happen only in a dream / Regardless of where it could happen, this is the way it did happen.”
This kind of commentary, along with director’s clapboards and a character announcing each song to another camera, adds layers of mystery. How do these studio soundbites connect to the album’s themes? Why is it filmed like a movie within a movie? What role do the announcers and producers play in the on-screen action of this jungle dance spectacle?
These questions linger even after multiple viewings, and that’s part of the allure. It’s not just about enjoying the unique jungle dance style in each video; it’s about piecing together a complex story that reveals new meanings with every watch. The visual album for “Volcano” is a true masterpiece of visual art.
No album review is complete without mentioning standout tracks. For me, “Every Night,” “I’ve Been In Love (feat. Channel Tres),” “PROBLEMZ,” and “Candle Flame (feat Erick the Architect)” are particularly special. If you ever see me power-walking with headphones on, chances are I’m lost in one of these tracks, moving to my own inner jungle dance.
It’s rare to find such a fully realized and intricate piece of art released freely. “Volcano” deserves far more recognition than it has received. If you haven’t yet experienced it, Jungle’s “Volcano” warrants 45 minutes of your undivided attention. Ideally, yesterday.
