UK retro R&B buzz band Jungle playing Union Transfer June 21st

One of the best bands I saw at SXSW last week was the UK band Jungle. Based around a duo known as “J,” and “T”, Jungle make slickly produced (in a good way) R&B and soul music. Jungle first appeared as an intentionally anonymous mystery which worked to their PR credit, creating significant interest in the band from the music blog universe and UK press. SXSW was their American coming out and they played several shows that showcased their tight mid-tempo Seventies era grooves. A good reference point for comparison would songs like “Mind Blowing Decisions” by Heatwave, “Don’t Stop The Music” by Yarbrough & Peoples, “Back In Love Again,” by L.T.D. and this classic by the Bee Gees. Jungle color their R&B with washes of electronic keyboards, soaring falsetto vocals and just enough of an edge to avoid it falling into the MOR abyss. They make their Philly debut at Union Transfer on Thursday, June 19th. Go here for tickets and more information. Below, watch and listen to a few of their songs.