The Jungle Giants
15th September 2017
REC, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Lauren Sanderson. Photography by Chris Zwaagdyk.
Brisbane four-piece The Jungle Giants played their first ever New Zealand gig last night at Auckland’s REC to celebrate the release of their new album Quiet Ferocity and boy did they put on a show!
Young Lyre were the perfect support act, as they kick started the night on a high. Their indie-pop sound had the crowd dancing from start to finish and their charming good looks triggered a few screams.
After an hour set from the boys the crowd were rearing to go. At las tit was time for what we had all been waiting for. The Jungle Giants entered cool calm and collected, after the screams of the crowd died down, frontman Sam stepped forward and said ‘let’s get this party started!’ and with that said She’s a Riot blasted throughout the REC.
The first few songs Anywhere Else and Skin and Bone merged into one as the band delivered hit after hit. Waiting for a Sign came next, the dance number which is heavily influenced by house music had the crowd simultaneously bouncing along to the alluring beats. Half way through Sam swapped his acoustic guitar with the electric, changing the sound a little but it worked.
The band had great stage presence and frontman Sam constantly dished out the banter amongst the crowd, even comparing himself to Robbie Williams as he played Quiet Ferocity. You’ve got something was next. Just as he was in his groove Sam’s guitar slipped from his grip but he carried on like a true pro.
On your way down was certainly a crowd favourite while Used to Be in Love stole the show. ‘Are you guys ready to fucking dance’ screamed Sam and that’s exactly what we did. The crowd went crazy as did the band, you could tell they were having just a good a time as us.
Of course, the crowd wanted an encore but unfortunately that didn’t follow.
But I did manage to bump into Sam at the end of the gig and ask his thoughts on the New Zealand crowd and he said and I quote ‘They’re epic’. So, what’s next for the Jungle Giants I asked, his reply was ‘doing what I do best writing, recording and watching Netflix.’
Overall, it was a great night for The Jungle Giants. They certainly finished their 14th gig with a bang and will definitely be leaving New Zealand with a fan or two…. Or 1000!
The Jungle Giants:
Young Lyre:
Were you there at the REC for this triumphant performance? Or have you seen The Jungle Giants perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Setlist:
- She’s A Riot
- Anywhere Else
- Skin To Bone
- Waiting
- Kooky Eyes
- Quiet Ferocity
- Devil’s Play
- You’ve Got Something
- In The Garage
- Bad Dream
- I Am What You Want Me To Be
- Every Kind Of Way
- On Your Way Down
- Used To Be In Love
- Feel The Way I Do