Jungle @ Junction 1, Glasgow, 6 Aug

“There’s nowhere I would rather be other than a car park on the edge of Glasgow,” says Josh Lloyd-Watson. It's an astute observation from one half of the electronic music project Jungle, who are performing tonight at Glasgow’s latest outdoor venue, Junction 1. 

​​Junction 1 feels more like a festival rather than a singular music venue, scattered with food stalls and a host of different bars. The oddest thing is its location. Sitting just off of a main road, adjacent to an industrial site with the motorway backdropping the stage, it feels slightly out of place. Yet it still leans into its industrial neighbours with bars carved into cargo carriers and rusty car decor dotted around the enclosed area.

As a crowd begins to gather around Junction 1’s stage, a rumbling cry awakens the audience. A red ominous light sets the stage before a sudden change in mood as the distorted string-infused intro of Keep Moving screeches into a wave of cheers. The hanging Jungle sign turns a luminous cream as Josh Lloyd-Watson, Tom McFarland and their accompanying band gush onto the stage. 

After a quick hello, the group swiftly moves into fan favourite All of the Time. Despite only being two songs into their set, Lloyd-Watson and McFarland have already begun casting their electronic spell that causes anyone listening to their neo-soul sound to instinctively dance. Their lighting proves hypnotic as the set carries on. Julia is accompanied by raging strobe lights creating a trance-inducing state that makes it impossible to take your eyes away from Lloyd-Watson jumping onto a stray box and raising his guitar in the air. 

As the sun sets, the downside of an outside venue comes to the fore with Scottish winds proving to be a menace, leading to an icy chill. Yet this does not tarnish Jungle’s spectacle, instead it only emphasises the impressive nature of their stage setup. As they continue playing powerhouse tracks Romeo (accompanied by a video of guest feature Bas), and latest single GOOD TIMES, a heavenly glow comes from the stage. The group’s silhouettes appear angelical, guiding the audience through their mesmerising set.

Follwing the usual "one more tune" chants, an encore of tracks Time and Busy Earnin’ are played. By this point there isn't a single audience member remaining still; Jungle’s funk has conquered the entire venue leaving only a good time in its path. McFarland ushers an audience member to throw a Scottish flag up onto the stage, further heightening the already roaring cheers. As the band take their final bow, the realisation of Jungle’s performance truly hits. An expert gig, hosted by connoisseurs of electronic funk.