Jungle Brings the Heat to Vancouver’s Forum

Jungle, the neo-soul collective from London, delivered a dazzling show at the PNE Forum on September 13, 2023. The band, led by Tom McFarland and Josh Lloyd-Watson, played a mix of old and new songs from their entire catalog, showcasing their signature blend of funk, disco, and R&B. The crowd was treated to a night of groovy tunes, stunning visuals, and infectious energy.

Shrouded in fog, with silhouettes swaying against a crimson backdrop, the band opened with “Us Against the World.” Four songs later, they picked up the pace as they smoothly transitioned into one of their most popular hits, "Heavy California” from their 2018 album For Ever, evoking a SoCal bohemian vibe of bright colors and sunny melodies. As McFarland and Lloyd-Watson sang in harmony, a red sunrise appeared on the screen behind them, adding to the warm and dreamy atmosphere. Jungle demonstrated their talent for creating immersive experiences, as they projected the featured artists from their songs on the screen, inviting them —and the pulsating crowd on the floor — to join the groove with their nostalgic samples.

Throughout the show, Jungle’s eye-catching lights and visuals helped bring each song alive. The crowd didn’t need much coaxing to attempt the now iconic moves from “Back on 74,” the track (with accompanying dance steps) that’s trending hard on social media.

The encore included the catchy "Keep Moving" from their album Loving in Stereo, which turned up the temperature a couple more degrees at the Forum. The night closed with "Busy Earnin'," Jungle’s breakout hit from their self-titled debut album, which had the audience singing along and dancing to the funky bassline and horns.

Jungle proved once again why they are one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the contemporary music scene. Jungle is a band that knows how to put on a show, and their music is a perfect soundtrack for the last days of summer.