7/10

When they first broke out with their incredible self-titled debut LP in 2014, Jungle were greeted as one of the more innovative and exciting names arriving that year. Their flamboyant approach to production and catchy rhythms made them an instant household, earning themselves a gold record in the process. But their sophomore collection 'For Ever' seemed to falter too much for the hype they originally emerged with, until they surprised us all with their third studio album 'Loving In Stereo' in 2021, which brought them right back to the peak of their creative best. Now back in the same spot they were for their second outing, they return with their fourth full-length 'Volcano', a record trying exceptionally hard to live up to its predecessor.

While 'Loving In Stereo' was certainly a surprise hit given that they had recently left the iconic XL Recordings in the years prior, 'Volcano' still looks to pursue more of that same inventive nature they showed last time around. Creating this more club-friendly feel this time around, their newest offering fills itself with plenty of that rich and euphoric soul-inspired sound they have been peddling since their earliest beginnings, albeit without some of the same vibrancy and intrigue that they have managed to muster up in the past.

But while it may not have the same instant grab-factor as their more successful material, 'Volcano' still stands as a strong and focused progression of their work so far. Keeping a bright and euphoric direction at the heart of its sound remains the beating soul of Jungle and shows that they are always in search of something new and interesting to explore.