RUm Jungle - ‘Recency Bias’ | Album Review
May 4 2025 | Written By Carmel Corpe
Australian alt-rock band Rum Jungle kicked off 2025 with their debut album Recency Bias, following their successful UK tour in September 2024. The four piece band, Josh Giles, Frazer McDonald, Benny McIntyre, Michael Kolmajer, infused their raw, energetic live performances into Recency Bias. With four EP’s under their belt, and the most recently acclaimed Hold Me in the Water, it is clear the band doesn't restrict themselves to one sound. The title of their new album reflects this evolution and the common bias experienced by artists; lead singer Benny explains how “each new song we create becomes our new favourite." A spontaneous emotional connection with their new work, rather than creating an overall concept, creates a unique approach to curating an album.
Recency Bias plays around with genres ranging from 2000’s indie, psychedelic, alternative indie and pop. The album opens with “Hi Hello”, a track echoing Phoenix’s “Lisztomania”, featuring punchy, propulsive drums making the rhythmic foundation memorable. This guitar driven and memorable rhythmic experimentation is seen on the track “Notice”, reminiscent of the Strokes 2000s garage rock revival sound. The last track “Pass You By” reflects lyrically on bittersweet, fleeting moments. The repeated lyric “let’s just say it was a good time” acts as a mantra. This encapsulates the experience of Recency Bias as a whole, a collection of songs based on transitory affection to them, encouraging the fans to take a moment to enjoy the fleeting moments of inspiration on each track.
Rum Jungle are playing their last USA dates this March and UK fans should keep an ear out for new dates!