8/10

For a while it felt like Jungle's best moments were behind them. After breaking through with their infectious and critically-acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2014, they were greeted as one of the most enjoyable and distinctive names to emerge that year. But with their sophomore LP 'For Ever' failing to live up to the hype they had previously garnered for themselves, it felt like they were resigned to a one-hit wonder group. But after four years to figure out their next move, they return more confident than ever with their third full-length 'Loving In Stereo', a record that calls right back to those inventive early days.

Since they first began, Jungle have never felt the need to veer from their formative direction, which can sometimes lead them down a path of lacklustre inspiration that doesn't quite hit the mark. But for 'Loving In Stereo', they have not only been able to hang onto their unique aesthetic, but create a vivid and captivating listen with it as well. There are a number of singles on this new release that could have easily appeared on their debut effort, but they all have this wonderfully fresh and forward-thinking approach to them, showing us that they have been toiling on this for some time and created something truly worthwhile.

Their second LP may not have been the follow-up they were hoping for, but 'Loving In Stereo' is a firm and catapulting step in the right direction. Very few bands have been able to create a sound that is both joyous and textured in equal measure, but Jungle have pulled out a beauty here, reestablishing them as a name at the top of their game.