Reviewed on Friday November 22
Brisbane’s The Jungle Giants first tore their way into our hearts and our eardrums back in 2011. Since then, the quartet has grown into a well-known and respected band. After witnessing them live, it’s not difficult to understand just why.
As a dreary week in Sydney drew to its close, the Metro Theatre was buzzing with many fans eager to be treated to the musical stylings from the headliners, as part of their Learn To Exist tour. Priming the venue for the evening were the popular Bec and Ben and Melbourne producer/DJ Muscles, who amped the horde with bass-heavy, infectious pulses over and over, working everyone on the dancefloor into a glistening sweat. Shortly following was indie/dance outfit Twinsy, whoserved up a set of percussion-led beats, maintaining the upbeat ambiance built prior. Joining the four lads onstage during their performance was The Jungle Giants’ leading lady, guitarist Cesira Aitken, who enthusiastically executed dynamic guitar riffs over a summery pop arrangement that closed the set.
With a ripple of excitement came sauntering onstage The Jungle Giants. The group chose a selection of old and newer tracks, playing a set that moved from pleasurable dance-along tunes to emotive ballads and everywhere in between. ‘Mr Polite’ brought a buoyant musicality to the stage, bursting with multi-layered percussion, slick strumming and raw vocals. Bass guitarist Andrew Dooris then enthusiastically threw himself into the already overwrought and exhilarated crowd. ‘You’ve Got Something’ was a highlight in the middle, sending shivers down arms. Sam Hales and his guitar brought the set nearer its close at a slower pace with ‘Devil’s In The Detail’, before the band ended on a high with crowd favourite ‘She’s A Riot’.
Aside from the top-notch performance, The Jungle Giants create invigorating and well-crafted music. This indie rock sensation can go anywhere.
BY KIERA THANOS
