‘Hidden’ is the first full studio album from this group of dutch lads, who retain their youthful exuberance and innocent energy, and delve deeper into their own sound. Moving slightly away from the afro-beat blueprint that characterized last year’s self-􀆟 tled debut LP, the nine-piece have added Gamelan tones and studio effects to their afro-funk template, as well as exploring other parts of Africa like Mali’s desert soul and djembe rhythms from Senegal. After two years of solid playing and performing the group have setled in their own rhythm, and ‘Hidden’ sees them trying out new ideas and forms. Still keeping the unit strictly instrumental, one strength of Jungle By Night is their innate sense of democracy - the quality control of the hive mind. Tracks are jammed out and developed from the rehearsal room to the stage, keeping the audience in mind all the time. ‘Hidden’ feels very much like a live record, in the vein of classic jazz albums for example, while at the same time utilizing all the digital options that todays recording techniques have to offer. ‘Hidden’ demonstrates natural talent and sensibility, but there’s something more at work. While those outside the bubble will try to pinpoint or uncover the band’s appeal and what makes them tick, somewhere between the many layers of sounds and rhythm, between the audience and the players, lies a connection that can’t really be explained. Jungle By Night know better than to shine too bright a light on it. LP version comes with a free MP3 download of the full album. “the evolution of afrobeat” - TONY ALLEN Jungle By Night drops their first full studio album on Kindred Spirits.