If there’s one thing you need to know about me (and believe me there are a few) it’s that I love Jungle. It’s something about their music that brings me joy like no other, a smile constantly plastered to my face, as I dance around and sing along to every word.
This evening saw me go to the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, for the first time. It didn’t take long before bodies started to fill up the room, people practising dance routines, and others sat in circles on the floor. People in every corner of the venue, eagerly anticipated what they were about to witness that evening. It’s always fun to see how people approach gigs, whether they are the type to stand with a pint talking quietly with friends, dance around to the music playing or just live in their own worlds, staring around the space they are in, in awe.
I guess you could say I’m all of the above, heavy on the whole staring around a room in awe thing though for sure.
Soon enough, Mood Talk the support act came out onto stage. The decks were set up, the crowd slowly but surely warming up in the form of bopping heads and swaying bodies in any way they could. Mood Talk delivered a great set filled with upbeat dance songs, to more groovy disco that had not only me but everyone else around me dancing along.
Jungle has a knack for bringing people together in whatever space they play in.
Jungle has a knack for bringing people together in whatever space they play in.
From the moment they exploded onto the stage in the form of Busy Earnin’ kicking off their expansive set, they immersed the audience in a world of vibrant colours, infectious rhythms and undeniable groove. Bathing the audience members in yellow and orange lighting, everyone’s features looked relaxed and happy.
The dance floor erupted, everyone twirling, dancing, smiling, screaming and most importantly — having fun. The crowd were a non-stop pulsating mass of bodies, hands in the air, surrendered to the addictive rhythms being presented to them. Hands flung loosely in the air, people on the shoulders of loved ones, Jungle’s infectious energy was contagious, creating a sense of unity and euphoria that travelled through every single body in that venue, allowing people to let go.
I know I definitely did.
The setlist was a perfect blend of old and new, featuring fan favourites like “Back on 74” (the previously mentioned dance routines the crowd were practising coming into fruition as everyone did bits and pieces of the dance that went viral on TikTok not even three months ago), and “Casio” (my personal favourite) as well as their newest release “Let’s Go Back”. Every single song became an anthem for the night, somehow better than the last, transitioning in and out, uniting the audience in a shared state of pure bliss. Each song was delivered with such passion and precision, showcasing Jungle’s exceptional musicianship and stage presence — that you felt no matter if you were at the barrier or right at the back.
Jungle was a different kind of fun.
I haven’t felt that free in a while, hands in the air genuinely without care.
Having to check my surroundings every couple of minutes, to make sure that this wasn’t all just a really vivid dream. As everyone around me danced, I was suddenly reminded that I’m never going to be twenty-five in Utilita Arena in Cardiff again. So, while I still can, I’m going to grab this moment (both literally and theoretically) by the hands of the people around me and run with it.
By the end of the set, I was running off pure joy and adrenaline, unsure of how I was going to be able to go to sleep when I eventually made it home. My body ached from throwing myself around, my voice was hoarse from screaming along to every single word, but my spirit soared. As I reunited with my friends, squeezing arms and hugging each other tightly, gushing over what we saw, I thought that if I could see Jungle every day, I think most of my problems would be solved.
Jungle’s performance was a masterclass in creating a sonic and visual experience that kept transcending boundaries, leaving an everlasting impression on everyone who attended.
Truly, a night for the memory bank and one I hope to never, ever forget. See you next time Jungle and see you tomorrow Cardiff.
Written and Photographed by: Meg Ivy Brunning
