All Points East Presents: Jungle & Others.
26 August 2023
With All Points East in full swing for the bank holiday, many descended upon Victoria Park in London to witness Jungle’s debut festival headline performance.
On the lineup for the day were the likes of Redlight, The Blessed Madonna, Wet, RAYE, and many others.
Despite the lightning storm and heavy downpour resulting in the cancellation of some acts, this did not stop revelers from enjoying the festival. Once acts resumed, many gathered under the tented shelter of the Cupra North Arena to not only take refuge from the rain but also to enjoy Bedford-based DJ Lil Silva playing a euphoric set that kept everyone dancing and spirits high despite the gloomy weather.
Shortly after, the East Stage saw Mercury Prize nominee TikTok sensation RAYE and her captivating band take to the stage. The singer began her set by announcing that despite having a bad back, “everyone was going to have a great time.” RAYE was indeed unmistaken; her powerful vocals and catchy numbers ensured the crowd had a fantastic time. The audience did not fail to cooperate and were shouting at the top of their lungs along to TikTok viral songs such as ‘Prada’ and ‘Escapism.’ Even in more emotional songs such as ‘Hard Out Here,’ the crowd still cheered her on and sang along without missing a single lyric.
On the BBC Radio 6 Stage was house music favorite Redlight. In 2014, walking into any house party or club was virtually impossible without hearing his popular track ‘9TS (90s Baby)’ go on once or twice. Fast forward to 2023, and many new releases later, Redlight has maintained popularity with a packed-out stage at All Points East. The atmosphere throughout the set was unmatched, especially towards the end with his remix of ‘Sweet Dreams,’ which had the crowd dancing and singing along at the top of their voices. Redlight was a treat to warm the crowds up for headliners Jungle on the East Stage shortly after.
The East Stage arena was well packed out way before Jungle took the stage, with eager fans attempting to secure the best spot and view. Eventually, after what felt like a short eternity of waiting, the red curtain affixed to the top of the stage dropped, revealing the London duo.
The band, known for trying to replicate every sound on their recorded albums in a live setting with minimal use of computers to maintain authenticity, was joined by their touring band. The crowd was in for a treat, with the band sounding better than they do recorded, and they even had a dazzling light show to accompany their melodies. Both old and new fans were not to be disappointed with the group playing a plethora of well-loved tunes from their existing albums and some from the anticipated new release Volcano. The crowd, in particular, went wild for ‘All of the Time,’ ‘Keep Moving,’ ‘Happy Man,’ and, of course, probably their most popular song, ‘Busy Earnin’.’
It was clear that the band had put a lot of thought into their stage presence and set up with both screens on the stage displaying cinematic quality shots of the band worthy of a cinematography award at any film festival. A thoroughly enjoyable set made for an incredible festival headliner first for the group. They are a band that are not only great recorded but probably even better live, and an experience at their shows is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
