Jungle has mastered the art of making an album an experience. The group — which consists of J Lloyd, Tom McFarland and Lydia Kitto — last made a major move with their 2023 album Volcano, which saw the evolution of the group’s signature marriage of nostalgic-yet-forward-leaning grooves with visual spectacle to brand new heights. That led to a cultural breakthrough that gained them new fans and high expectations for what would come next. The group meets that moment with the recent release of their latest album Sunshine.
Sunshine, which acts as the first album with Kitto as an official member of the band, waxes even more nostalgic with songs that look to the ’60s and ’70s as their chief inspirations. There’s a large amount of songs, including the title track, lead single “Carry On” and closer “Heavy On My Soul,” that evoke 1960s soul in refreshing ways. Elsewhere, we’re given ’70s and early ’80s-era boogie with fast-paced cuts like “The Wave” and “Move Like You Do” that glide smoothly against the ears as Kitto’s airy vocal provides a beautiful counterpoint to the instrumentation.
But, of course, the visuals play a key part as well. Sunshine, like Volcano before it, has a visual album component to it as well. Fans can currently purchase the film pass to see the visual album in full. For those who want to wait, Jungle has already released clips for “The Wave” and “Someday, Somewhere.” The release of the album has also brought new videos for both the title track and “Move Like You Do.” Both clips showcase the tight choreography of Jungle mainstay Will West, who works his magic in the unconventional spaces of a bank and an upscale bar as his troupe of dancers makes impossible moves look like child’s play.
Sunshine shows Jungle expanding their formula ever so slightly while still delivering what always works for them. This go ’round, while not on the same level of astonishment as Volcano, the formula still serves them well and makes the project one of the bright spots of the year.
Jungle Sunshine [Amazon][Apple Music][TIDAL]
