ALBUM REVIEW: Recency Bias – Rum Jungle

February 19, 2025 Orla Joyce

The devil works hard but Australian alt-rock quartet RUM JUNGLE work harder. Grinding in studio sessions on the weekdays to touring on weekends, their debut album Recency Bias will be out February 21st. After a hugely successful UK tour in September, and steadily releasing singles, it’s time to hear the whole journey. This record is about introspection and reconnecting after long periods away from loved ones. All the while being poetically balanced right down to its tracklisting, opening with Hi, Hello and closing with Pass You By.

There is a smorgasbord of inspiration across these tracks including 2000s indie, which can be heard on Mad Man. It sounds a bit more playful compared to earlier songs on the record that are a bit heavier on the effects. Then just two songs later, it’s time to be transported back to the 60s. Introducing some psychedelic guitars on Chauffer, it’s an endearing song, but lyrically it feels like something is missing. Across the album, some tracks repeat bridges/lines to close out, leaving the listener yearning for a bit more closure. That’s not to say the album is lacking in the lyric department as a whole though, quite the opposite.

Recency Bias is an emotion-filled album, the title itself reveals concerns the members have been facing with their own discography. That is to say, there is a constant grappling of power between the old songs and the new. When asked what their favourite album is, most artists will name their latest release. As artists, it’s only natural to favour the most recent piece created. There is the assumption of always learning and growing in creativity. However, this was so relevant to RUM JUNGLE on this album cycle that earlier tracks in the writing process wound up on the cutting room floor.

The album has an assortment of paces throughout, no two tracks are the same. On Don’t Be A Stranger there is a staccato like bounce in the tempo, as if mimicking walking alongside someone. Whereas on Weathers Better, directly proceeding it sounds more like an indie summer bop. Although the music is the most evocative element of this album, there is some playfully imaginative lyricism as well. The closing track Pass You By feels like a culmination of all the influences involved on the whole album. Paired with a jaunty cheekiness. Although the lyrics seem to allude to a past love where the timing is off, it isn’t a sad song. It’s almost like the melody knows something the lyricist doesn’t, making it strangely hopeful.

From sweet slow ballads to raucous punk fuelled numbers, Recency Bias is pleasantly nostalgic despite being the band’s first. It’s somewhat an interesting title for a debut, it may act as a reminder while they journey through their creative future. Although in years to come they’ll create music that they will prefer to this album. Once upon a time this was their greatest work, and it will be a tough one to beat. Recorded at Lakehouse Audio on the central coast of Australia, it’s time for the rest of the world to hear it.

Rating: 7/10