Jungle By Night
Hidden
Hidden is the second album from this group of dutch lads, who retain their youthful exuberance and innocent energy, and delve deeper into their own sound. Moving slightly away from the afro-beat blueprint that characterized last years self-titled debut LP, the nine-piece have added Gamelan tones and studio effects to their afro-funk template, as well as exploring other parts of Africa like Malis desert soul and djembe rhythms from Senegal. The album is laid out by a group who clearly understand live dynamics, building the tension of the first half of the LP with the tight riffs of Togetherness, the mix of west-coast organ and plaintive horns of 2 Days Before 2012 and Gallowstreet 34, which could easily soundtrack the 70s edition of GTA Addis Ababa. Mid-way through the album also points to an interesting path, the drum-less ambience of Night Fight, a duel of thumb pianos and slide guitar, awash with studio eff ects, evoking fireflies and glow worms amid the nocturnal jungle creatures. In the second half, tracks like Ethiopino, The Past Is History and Marsvin represent what Jungle By Night do best - taut, multi-layered grooves that are perfect for dancing to, or any other nocturnal activity you like to indulge in.