About the Song
Back on 74: Where Disco Funk and Existential Groove Collide
In the sun-drenched haze of Jungle’s latest album, “Volcano,” one track pulses with a particularly infectious energy. “Back on 74” isn’t just a song; it’s a portal to a retro-futuristic discotheque, where vintage grooves interweave with existential lyrics, and dancefloor euphoria collides with introspective pondering.
From the opening blast of horns and the funky bassline, you’re neck-deep in a 70s funk revival. The rhythm section locks tight, a hypnotic groove laid down with the precision of a well-oiled machine. Joshua Lloyd-Watson’s soulful vocals then glide in, smooth as honey, telling a tale of revisiting forgotten corners of one’s past.
The lyrics are deceptively simple, veiled in nostalgia yet echoing with deeper questions. “Back on 74, same faces, different names,” Lloyd-Watson croons, reflecting on the cyclical nature of life, memories resurfacing like ghosts dancing in the disco lights. The refrain, “Where did the time go?” hangs heavy in the air, a universal question whispered over syncopated beats.
But “Back on 74” isn’t just a trip down memory lane. It’s also a vibrant celebration of the present moment. The infectious energy of the music, the pulsating bass, and the soaring horns urge you to move, to feel alive. It’s a reminder that even amidst the existential ponderings, life is meant to be savored, danced through, embraced in all its contradictions.
The music video perfectly captures this duality. Vibrantly colored dancers in vintage attire groove through a meticulously crafted studio, each movement radiating both joy and a touch of melancholic yearning. The camera moves like a restless observer, weaving through the crowd, capturing fleeting moments of connection and solitude, mirroring the ebb and flow of the song’s emotions.
“Back on 74” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a sonic tapestry woven from the threads of nostalgia, existentialism, and pure, unadulterated fun. It’s a song that makes you want to move, to think, to remember, and to simply be present in the pulsating beat of the moment. So put on your dancing shoes, let the groove wash over you, and take a trip back to 74, but remember, wherever you land, the dance floor is always the present moment.
Fun Fact
Did you know the iconic choreography in the “Back on 74” music video wasn’t planned? The video was filmed in one continuous shot, and choreographer Shay Latukolan allowed the dancers to freestyle based on the music’s energy. The result is a mesmerizingly organic flow that perfectly captures the song’s blend of nostalgic vibes and modern groove, proving that sometimes, the best dance steps are born in the moment! Also, the song pays homage to the iconic Route 74 in the United States, known for its scenic landscapes and cultural significance. The band infuses this homage with their unique musical style, creating a fusion of nostalgic vibes and contemporary sounds that make the track stand out in their discography.
About the Artist
Emerging from the sun-drenched backstreets of London’s Shepherd’s Bush in 2013, Jungle isn’t just a band – it’s a collective, a vibrant sonic ecosystem buzzing with retro grooves, hypnotic melodies, and introspective lyrics. Founded by childhood friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland, Jungle has carved its own unique path through the musical landscape, blending vintage soul, disco funk, and modern electronica into a potent concoction that defies easy categorization.
Their early days were shrouded in an alluring mystique. Hidden behind pseudonyms (J and T) and enigmatic music videos, Jungle built a devoted fanbase through infectious singles like “The Heat” and “Busy Earnin’,” fueled by the band’s anonymity and their music’s undeniable dancefloor magnetism.
It wasn’t until the release of their critically acclaimed debut album in 2014 that Jungle fully stepped into the limelight. The self-titled LP, laced with shimmering horns, pulsing basslines, and Lloyd-Watson’s honeyed vocals, cemented their reputation as purveyors of soulful grooves and introspective lyricism. Songs like “Time” and “Make It Easy” became instant classics, captivating audiences with their effortless blend of nostalgia and contemporary cool.
