Jungle • Balthvs • The Plastic Cherries • August 7, 2024 • Gallivan Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Logan Fang
Last Wednesday, Jungle performed for a sold-out crowd at The Gallivan Center on the latest stop of their Volcano tour. The British band, best known for their dreamy melodies and irresistibly groovy rhythms, delivers a unique sound blending EDM rave-style beats with euphoric guitar melodies reminiscent of contemporary indie. The band’s discography includes influences from various eras, merging BeeGees disco-funk sensibilities with a variety of nouveau pop elements.
Jungle’s stage design was a perfect reflection of this eclectic musical mashup. Tambourines, stand-up congas, synths, and wind chimes all scattered the stage. The backdrop played fiery orange graphics while smoke poured in from the wings as if setting the stage ablaze. It was clear that Jungle was dedicated to creating an immersive experience. Joining Jungle for the hot summer night were local SLC band The Plastic Cherries and Colombian trio Balthvs. Both acts delivered electrifying performances of their own to open the evening.
The Plastic Cherries
Despite a modest turnout for the first act of the night, it was nonetheless a special performance for The Plastic Cherries. Prior to getting on-stage, the band readied their signature makeup for what seemed to be one of the band’s largest performances ever. Several family members and friends sporting the band’s merch were in the audience and exchanged a few words with the members before they began. Upon stepping onto stage, the band launched into a shoe-gaze, glam rock performance, complete with matching red outfits and makeup emblematic of David Bowie.
The Plastic Cherries moved through some of their newer releases and then dedicated a heartfelt song to a couple who helped them repair their broken down car on the way to the concert. The band embodies the kind of homegrown charm characteristic of local Utah talent. Before their performance, they were sure to thank their parents and friends for attending. The Plastic Cherries followed up with a few selections from their newest album, including their most popular song, Lovers on the Run. The bluesy anthem channels the youthful defiance of early rock while showcasing the band’s indie roots. I was struck by the intensity of the band’s live performance, which felt much heavier compared to their recordings. Perhaps it was their face paint or color-coordinated jumpsuits that gave me this impression. Nonetheless, The Plastic Cherries put on a captivating performance to open night.
Balthvs
Next up was Colombian psychedelia trio Balthvs. As the lights dimmed, lead singer and guitarist Balthazar Aguirre strutted onto stage, flanked by bassist Johanna Mercuriana and drummer Santiago Lizcano. Each member sported a unique outfit to complement the band’s psychedelic, surf-rock tunes. They kicked off their set with a trippy, almost surreal rendition of their track “Got Caught in Amsterdam.” Throughout the show, the group paused little to address the crowd as their 6-7 minute instrumental pieces afforded little time for them to talk to the audience.
Balthv’s dedication to their craft is clear in their impressive work ethic. Since 2019, the band has released a new album each year. Balthv’s most recent release Harvest continues their signature jazz-infused sound, favoring minimal vocals and drawn out guitar melodies. The band’s disco influence is present throughout much of the album too, in tracks “Sun & Moon” and “Like Coconut Water.” With each new album, Balthvs continues to refine their psychedelic funk sound. I’m excited to see what lies ahead for the innovative Colombian trio.
Jungle
Jungle’s set began with a towering visual of the band’s iconic logo emblazoned on the stage’s backdrop. As each band member walked to their respective instruments, an orange fog set over the stage to resemble the interior of a volcano. Everything about Jungle’s performance felt intentional and meticulously controlled. The blanket of haze enveloping the stage seemed to create a silhouette over each Jungle member, forcing you to focus on the band in full rather than just a single performer. At times, Jungle’s performance felt more like an electronic rave with their usage of flashing strobes and heavy beat drops. With frontmen Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland manning two DJ tables, the stage design resembled more of a recording studio than it did a traditional concert setup. But unlike the frenetic energy of typical electronic music, Jungle’s performance was much more refined and elegant.
Since Jungle’s formation in 2013, the band has gained most of its following after a handful of their songs blew up online. Tracks like “Back on 74” and “I’ve Been In Love” were instant hits on TikTok for their impossibly catchy riffs and undeniable charm. Volcano marks just their third studio album. Several songs from this 2023 release made it into Jungle’s setlist including “Candle Flame,” “Problemz,” and “Us Against the World.” For the songs that had features, Jungle projected a video of the artist on the stage’s backdrop.
The night culminated in an encore prompted by the audience demanding one more song from the UK band. After performing “GOOD TIMES,” the final song of their official setlist, Jungle returned back on-stage to deliver “Keep Moving,” which seemed to leave everyone breathless but satisfied. Hearing Jungle live was a remarkable experience, and the added visual effects made the performance all the more special. I look forward to seeing them again.
