"The Movie In Progress" ā A Review of Volcano by Jungle
by La Roza Negra (They/She)
Having always been big on discovering new music for myself and sharing it with my friends and community accordingly because not only do I have a deep-seated love for music, I've always considered myself open to new possibilities. So color me surprised when a Band/Production duo that's been making music since 2013 barely finds my ears a decade later, with a sound that's still so striking and inventive that I'm able to feel genuine surprise?
Without too much knob-slobbing on the subject because I really had THAT much of a good time, I had the absolute privilege of exploring the mind of Jungle, with their August 2023 release of Volcano, a body of work I feel can only be described as a soundtrack to a contemporary love story, and I'd like to take you through the story I envisioned track by track. Let's get into it, shall we?
For starters, the choice to open a traditional album which is a rarity nowadays with not only a whole song but one that's three and a half minutes long at that is a very "hit the ground running approach that comes off as ballsy, but it definitely paid off.
The track rings so strange sonicaly from the quirky bassline that immediately calls you to attention, to the song itself and the instruments selected to accompany the track, and the choice of vocal effect's to play up the raspiness in the singer's voice juxtaposed with the clear/clean background vocals & overall vibe of the song. It feels like a moment of escape and playful liberation from reality, which is represented as well in the choice to go with jazz and modern/contemporary choreography as the dance styles of choice. As styles, both are very fluid, expressive, and improvisational in execution, the driving force being the song's overall theme versus the rhythm like most styles, often having to feel your way through. What's worth noting is that it requires immense control (and in some cases the yield of) to freely move your body in such manners, which adds a lot of context to the experience of the music.
This song is the beginning of a story where we meet a character and discover their personality but also establish that they're on what is to be a city escape of sorts, noting the importance and cultural context that disco was developed in spaces with predominantly people of color. We open with our players and Main Character (referred to as MC henceforth) and company embark on the beginning of their adventure, likely making their way through town, whether it be a shopping excursion, preparing for a big event, or just an excuse to be outside. There's wandering that happens in this song and uncertainty to where you'll land.
First and foremost, let me commend the seamless transition between the opening track and this one. It both fits the narrative (which we will get into later) and sonically raises the energy from the room, as this is a party song.
The tempo of the song, the pulsing kick drum and bassline, and the chant-like verses that consume your body and involuntarily cause you to shake, it invigorates the vessel and compels you to dance and not only dance, dare I say dance provocative because this song is notably very "cunty." I use that word specifically because, especially further made apparent in the video with a change in the focal dance style.
While the modern/contemporary elements are still present in the player's dancing, the characters in focus: the femme figures in the video, are dressed in absolutely stunning ensembles and have broken away from the theme of the company, focusing and leaning into the vogue dance style which is also indicative of the type of music in play. It's a Black Ball, with the various femmes representing different categories varying from Sex Siren to Soft & Cunty (hence the choice in verbiage earlier.) The nods to queer culture and incorporation of the impact in the storytelling isn't missed on me.
Speaking of the storytelling, because I'm invested in sharing my vision with y'allā picture this: Our MC has transitioned from their day/early night adventure with the company into the nightlife and the party is RAGING! They get into the space and the energy of the room washes over & consumes them, captivating them in a way they were unprepared for and taking them to the dancefloor to be absolutely carefree. MC and company are the moment and everyone is there to make their night.
Continuing the theme of transitioning from one track to another, we slow it down a bit with Candle Flame, however there are a few notable differences about this track compared to those prior.
I can't say definitively that there's light interpolation of the song, "If I Can't Have You" by Yvonne Elliman, but I do feel as though there's inspiration guiding this notable poetic and romantic track. Carrying the poetic element of this song is what I can only describe as a Rap Ballad akin to that of "All I Need" by Method Man, with Erick the Architect narrating the nervous jitters of making way for a new opportunity at love on the horizon. It's a very adolescent energy carrying this song that I can only describe as your first College Spring Break. It's all new and different, there's permission to really come out of yourself and not only have a blast but steal a moment in time and lock it away to microdose on later once it all ends.
At this point in the story, in all the dancing and excitement, across the dancefloor, our MC encounters someone's spirit beckoning them and drawing them in closer and as they begin circling each other, falling deeper into the rapture of infatuation at first sight. There's no words being shared, there's only the rhythm, the lights, and the heat of passion setting the stage for body language to carry this conversation.
This track, while definitely in-era, has to be my favorite thus far as it taps into the big-sister genre from the decade prior with a funky soulful Motown-esque groove that can only be described as whimsy and bliss. We've slowed away from the dance intensive tracks and gotten more into a cruising vibe. It also does wonders for expressing the new chapter in the narrative being conveyed. I think it needs to be studied how on instills so much character into a song with so few lyrics.
Romance has arrived in the story. The dancing was a thrill but the sparks between MC and their new Boo are definitely set ablaze. They decide to cut away from the party, MC likely shooting company a "Don't wait up" text and disappearing into the night to make their own fun, leading to wonder and discovery for them both. Maybe they went somewhere quieter like a late-night diner where they could talk & get to know each other better or maybe they're just out for a night drive/stroll while Boo shows MC the city life from a different perspective, as Boo is clearly a local in this story. It only makes sense. Either way, the flame is struck and we now get to watch the fire burn between them.
There's a return of the Disco elements, but also a notable difference to the funk from the last song and this song's venturing more into Tropical Funk & Reggae themes in this rap track along with the casual narration stye rap from Channel Tres that successfully captures and emulates the slow free falling feeling that comes from falling in love with someone for the first time.
The story has made apparent at this point that there's an evident relationship now established between the both of them and they're not fighting what's there. Time, reality, and all sense has been thrown to the wind as they just let go and act on intuitions. Now, depending on what we've heard so far, it's up to the listener to determine the rating of the production, but in no uncertain words they've likely spent some time together and also *ahem* intermingling. With respect to the poetry aspect, I think it's safe to say our love birds haveā as Shakespeare would say, "made the beast with two backs." They're in the throes of it now and I love it for them.
The song that got me here in the first place because of the iconic choreography snippet that went crazy on TikTok. It definitely fits the trend, but also with regard to the video, the commitment to the 70's theme in every step of the way: the direction & filmography, production, costume, makeup, hair, and set design to compliment the song and choreography is just *chef's kiss*.
The song itself pivots into a kind of Doo-Wop style with the singer's light voice walking us through a funky groove that feels like a reflecting point as there's a lot of air and openness on the track that makes it feel like an internal thought or memory. I like the simplicity of the song too because it feels like a break from the intensity to really take in what the singer is saying as well. It's like taking small bites of food, you take it all in and unpack it better so it doesn't feel overwhelming all at once.
As for the story, we've reached the inevitable conflict/drama scene. Itās definitely nice to feel vindicated in my interpretation of this music watching this video all the way through as Iām reacting and writing this review. Our MC and Boo have reached a point of turmoil where something has soured in their new relationship. I suspect Booās life in the city is catching up with them because both the lyrics and the themes presented in the video donāt read like there was an outside force bearing on the two of them. I won't follow the video's direct storyline, but Iām definitely seated and roped in now mostly because I've watched this (imaginary) couple come to be.
7.) You Ain't No Celebrity
The whimsy has returned!! Though this feels like we've registered into a separate segment of the album entirely, arguably a B-Side. Sonically, this is the most distinct track on the entire album, as I'm not certain what genre this fits into.
From the lyrics and production, I would label this like Funky Alanis Morrissette EDM. Also that switch-up at the end of this song is too groovy, it feels like a reprise to the original, especially considering the chaos in the first section and yet it's a welcomed part of the track.
This is the part of the story where the MC is really tearing through the conflict thatās bubbling between them and Boo now & the tensions are high but the former feelings are whatās making the tensions so intense. Thereās madness, hope, frustration, pretenses, and expectations that are all circulating at once. Are they gonna make it? Iām gripping my seat! This may not be the intended story but this is my story now. Iām too deeply rooted into it.
We've began incorporation more of that Tropical Funk from the first half of the album, but I feel like there's a subtle African influence in there too. This feels like progress but also a callback to the first half. Is it a mirror or what's going on here...
Thereās been some time and thereās an evident shift/change in both our players but theyāre back now to the same forum and approaching the dance with a new style. What will come of it this time, who knows because thereās a touch of history now and still the unresolved tension from before but theyāre at least back together in some capacity, whether itās love or war. What will happen before the clock strikes?
We've got back to the basics in the themes because we've approached the disco again. I feel like I called it, these songs are a different scope of the first set of songs that have a re-imagining of that sonic narrative.
Our lovers are figuring it out! Not exactly the same way as before as the previous rift was likely trauma or bad habits from one of their pasts that cause them to forsake or poorly navigate the new relationship developing before their eyes. Theres hesitation to fall back in but that spark never left, it just got a little to hot to handle at the time. I feel like there's an aspect of the story we're aware of with regard to the time that they're not either paying attention to or talking about and it's giving me a little anxiety.
We've got a modern take on what feels like quintessential Disco: the Bee Gees!! There's some latin elements still carrying the background that I think are providing a sense of modernness to the sound because it's not quite "traditional" latin sounds but it's still growing the intrigue.
MC and Boo have made a declaration of affection and desire alas! A new flame blossoming from the spark, or at least a carnal moment of comfort and warmth between them. Yet and still, not a certain resolution to the problems of yore, but at least vulnerability and space to open themselves up to what once was. Our MC and Boo have a road ahead still it seems even if they have reconnected to some degree.
Continuing in that modernized Bee Gees style arrangement, there's definitely more of that adventure from before but it's more relaxed now I imagine because we're familiar with and closing out the project. Smooth, clean resolutions make for happier endings.
Our players have found some legs to stand on in their mending relationship. Thereās communication and honesty thatās happening now and at the very least enjoyment of each otherās company and an acknowledgement of the troubles that have plagued them, although theyāre a work in progress. Thereās hope in a future with them but for now theyāre making arguably a friendship, which I think works because spring break does end after all.
12.) Good At Breaking Hearts
I love JNR WILLIAMS on here, as his tone expresses the depth of circumstance in the lyrics so beautifully. Like the voice has weight and twang to it that carries the track so far. Also the introduction of what sounds like Sunshine Pop or Beach Music is now a new element that wasn't there before but it still works and doesn't allow me to get comfortable in a nook while listening.
Within the world we've created, ya know, honesty sucks. It seems our MC and Boo are in a particularly precarious position: do they just cut ties now that things are smoothed over from before or just ride the wave out to the shore as they both fear repeating what happened once more. Itās indicative of their care for one another but the care may not carry them through. Plus there's an impending clock on all of this because there is an end in sight.
Definitely incorporated those Sunshine Pop/Beach Music elements and masterfully pivoted back to the Disco/Funk core of the album to tie it altogether and it felt somewhat seamless because of the environment and background sounds present in the track, especially at the end. Those waves were a great introduction to this song especially with the name and vibe of the song because this would be played on a beach. It set the scene for us so we didn't have to guess how it all fit either.
Fret not readers, the fears and insecurities they were having werenāt enough to cast it all aside. It sounds like theyāve chosen ride the wave, no pun intended, and just enjoy the time they have left together. Maybe even treat it as a new adventure before them with new eyes. The history is safely behind them at this point because enjoying the party before it's over is most important.
A final funky rap ballad to close the album and wrap up the stories in love. The songs took us through a tale with the lyrics but this song specifically had some of the strongest lyrics which is why I feel like the track was stripped down to the simplest production so you can really hear Bas take us down a reflective recap of what all transpired in the narrative. There was intrigue, passion, turmoil, trepidation, communication, healing, and now calm departure into independence again.
To conclude, our MC's time with Boo is up and our lovers have ran their course. Their future isnāt together in this moment, and thatās okay for the both of them because they have two separate lives to lead for now. They loved and cared for each other & built a memory that will never be forgotten, and who knowsā maybe thereās still room for them to come back again someday in the future because in the end itās all love and itās not about the destination but the journeys taken & the ride there. They'll always have Spring Break.
Actual album review, shenanigans aside: I have no words to describe how in love I am with this body of work. Much like the story I wrote out song to song because I didnāt want to be repetitive and spend each note just singing the praises of the track and losing sight of the actual narrative at play, the album takes you on a journey through love. I gave my own interpretation and visualized it through the lens of a romance novel/filmās plot, but in listening with that perspective, I was able to unveil so many smaller themes within the album.
I find it absolutely fascinating that the music, even when the words werenāt really clearā not talking about diction, referring to the full messaging of each song as they required multiple listens to digest, were still able to speak so declaratively about its basic message in tandem with the other tracks that preceded each song. And much like any good book or film, when it ends, youāre sad itās over but glad you experienced it & are waiting for the next moment to start it all over to ride that ride once again.
Completely unrelated but um, Jungle if youāre reading this and you want to uh, work with (see: teach) an artist to do what you do, Iām RIGHT HERE!
jbbartram-illu
izzy806
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