Genre-mashing UK soul unit Jungle are making their return with a pair of new songs, which have arrived alongside some equally new videos. Right now, you can experience both "Happy Man" and "House in LA."
Both tracks will appear on the group's as-yet-undetailed sophomore album, with the pair also being collected on a new double A-side 12-inch. That initial vinyl offering will arrive on June 22 on XL Recordings, while both singles are now out digitally.
The upcoming album is described by Jungle's Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland as "a post-apocalyptic radio station playing breakup songs," and you can get a taste of that with "Happy Man" and "House in LA."
A press release has this to say of "Happy Man":
"Happy Man" sees the band visiting themes of disenfranchised youth in an era where the dreams of the Baby Boomers are out of reach for a younger generation (lyrical terrain previously explored in Jungle's crossover anthem 'Busy Earnin'). It's accompanied by a stunning video that, for the first time ever, gives you a glimpse inside Jungle's world by introducing the band and new Jungle member Zangi who can be seen dancing in the video.
Of "House in LA," then, it says:
"House in LA" is a complete 180 handbrake turn from "Happy Man." It finds the band holed up in the hills of Los Angeles, choppers whirring in the background, heartbroken, regrouping and soul searching ("I feel alive in the sunlight / All my fears are only real life…two whole years on a re-write / tell my friends I'm gonna be right there…"). And from that a modern psychedelic anthem emerges that is Jungle's finest production moment to date, making full use of the armoury of live sounds they developed touring the world over the previous five years.
Check out both via the videos below, where you'll also find Jungle's upcoming North American dates. They play Toronto on June 15. You can also order the upcoming "Happy Man"/"House in LA" 12-inch over here.
Jungle released their self-titled debut album back in 2014.
Tour dates:
06/08 Atlanta, GA - Terminal West
06/09 Birmingham, AL - Saturn
06/10 Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo
06/12 Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
06/13 Pittsburgh, PA - Mr Smalls
06/14 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Music Hall
06/15 Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
06/17 Boston, MA - Royale
06/18 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel
Both tracks will appear on the group's as-yet-undetailed sophomore album, with the pair also being collected on a new double A-side 12-inch. That initial vinyl offering will arrive on June 22 on XL Recordings, while both singles are now out digitally.
The upcoming album is described by Jungle's Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland as "a post-apocalyptic radio station playing breakup songs," and you can get a taste of that with "Happy Man" and "House in LA."
A press release has this to say of "Happy Man":
"Happy Man" sees the band visiting themes of disenfranchised youth in an era where the dreams of the Baby Boomers are out of reach for a younger generation (lyrical terrain previously explored in Jungle's crossover anthem 'Busy Earnin'). It's accompanied by a stunning video that, for the first time ever, gives you a glimpse inside Jungle's world by introducing the band and new Jungle member Zangi who can be seen dancing in the video.
Of "House in LA," then, it says:
"House in LA" is a complete 180 handbrake turn from "Happy Man." It finds the band holed up in the hills of Los Angeles, choppers whirring in the background, heartbroken, regrouping and soul searching ("I feel alive in the sunlight / All my fears are only real life…two whole years on a re-write / tell my friends I'm gonna be right there…"). And from that a modern psychedelic anthem emerges that is Jungle's finest production moment to date, making full use of the armoury of live sounds they developed touring the world over the previous five years.
Check out both via the videos below, where you'll also find Jungle's upcoming North American dates. They play Toronto on June 15. You can also order the upcoming "Happy Man"/"House in LA" 12-inch over here.
Jungle released their self-titled debut album back in 2014.
Tour dates:
06/08 Atlanta, GA - Terminal West
06/09 Birmingham, AL - Saturn
06/10 Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo
06/12 Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
06/13 Pittsburgh, PA - Mr Smalls
06/14 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Music Hall
06/15 Toronto, ON - Danforth Music Hall
06/17 Boston, MA - Royale
06/18 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel