Album Preview – Jungle Fire “Jambu”

Jungle Fire, provocateur of a sound called Tropi-Funk, was born in Los Angeles, out of a jam session between friends in 2011. With no real direction other than to share musical tastes amongst its participants they’ve magically released a highly acclaimed debut album (Tropicoso) and toured worldwide over the past 5 years.

On February 3rd, Jungle Fire is set to release their second album entitled, “Jambu.”

And lucky for you, we’ve scored an exclusive first listen as part of KCRW’s Album Preview.

On Jambu, Jungle Fire, deliver a fast moving, sophomore album that is drenched with inspiration from old Soul, Funk, and Brown-Eyed Soul, muses.

It’s a robust recording produced to recreate the feeling you get when the needle hit a weathered, analog LP on your old turntable. Sure there’s an updated digital crispness, by way of less hiss, but nonetheless, Jungle Fire’s sound, filled with exciting percussive rhythm and wah-wah pedal goodness, is still completely organic.

Jambu is an album that won’t get old because the music is classic. It occupies that same space as bands like Budos, Antibalas, The Dap-Kings and Brownout.

With this sophomore release, Jungle Fire has outlived and outgrown their “jam session” vibe and Los Angeles is better for it.

words – José Galvan